A few days into my Christmas break, I planned a quick outing to Snowdonia , a couple of days walking a cicuit from Beddgelert was the the perfect opportunity to walk off the Christmas excesses.
my route was to take me onto Moel Hebog then out to Moel-ddu , then return via Cwm Oerddwr & the Aberglasyn Pass back to Beddgelert.
 |
looking back to Beddgelert
|
I took the path through Cwm Cloch Isaf , crossing the welsh highland railway a couple of times , ahead Moel Hebog towered above me .
Gaining height the view's opened up behind me , the summit of Snowdon still in mist - the rest were clear.
 |
| view towards Snowdon |
Approaching the lower crags on Moel Hebog , I knew this was were the hard work of the day began , a relentless uphill slog , over loose scree & boulder fields , I hoped the view from the top would be clear , unlike my last visit , some 3 yrs. ago , where it was completely misted out .
 |
| lower crags on Moel Hebog |
 |
| Snowdon , Yr Aran , & y Lliwedd from Moel Hebog |
Climbing through the boulder fields , the mist came rolling in on a strong cold wind , I knew it wasn't looking good for clear views .. oh well , an excuse to come back in the future.
 |
| mist coming in |
I continued onto the summit cairn with zero view's , and found a sheltered spot to have lunch , and at the same time check the map and bearing's to locate the grassy descent to Cwm Cyd , with near zero visability I had to get the line right , as either side would lead me onto difficult / dangerous terrain.
 |
| heading for the summit of Moel Hebog |
Once down , I was below the mist , and navigation became easy again . the walk along the ridge on Bryn Banog was a delight , and I spent some time exploring and taking photographs from various view points.
 |
| looking back to Moel Hebog from Cwm Cyd |
 |
| Moel Hebog , from Bryn Banog |
Around late afternoon I began to think of camp spot's , with sunset around 4 pm , I wanted to be in camp around 3 pm , in the hope of getting some good golden hour shot's . I decide on a camp on Moel Ddu , but first I would have to descend to Llyn Oerddwr , and follow the inlet stream up to Moel Ddu. I collected water as high up as possible , and with my pack around 4 kg's heavier , continued over rough ground to reach the wall leading up to the summit . once there I dropped my pack to have a wander round for pitch site's , eventually settling on a spot close to the cairn , the views were stunning.
There was a descent sunset , then the skies clouded over , so I retired to the Trailstar for food , hot drink's and whisky .
Around 9 pm I peered out of the door , and could see the skies were clearing .
I got out , grabbed my camera to see what shot;s I could get .
 |
| view ahead to Moel - Ddu |
 |
| sunset from camp |
 |
| relaxing at camp |
Later that night , the wind got stronger and the skies clouded over , I did not hold out much hope of a good sunrise , but I set my alarm for 7 am , and relaxed in my bivy , drinking the last of the whisky , then drifted of to sleep .
When I awoke in the morning I could see the skies were clear , I lit my little meth's stove , and relaxed watching the silent flame - hot coffee in camp is one of life's simple pleasure's , but one I greatly enjoy .
coffee drank , I grabbed my camera and headed out , there was a glorious sunrise , and later a lovely warm orange glow on the surrounding mountains , I could have spent hours here , but with family coming round for drinks and a curry later that evening , I was under strict instructions to return early .
It was around 10 am when I finally struck camp , I was finding it very hard to tear myself away .
 |
| early morning light at camp |
 |
| looking towards Moel Hebog from summit cain on Moel- Ddu. |
 |
| Cnicht & the moelwynion silhouetted against a pre dawn glow |
 |
| camp panorama |
 |
| morning glow on Bryn Banog & Moel Hebog |
 |
| view to sea , from Moel - Ddu. |
Descending back to Cwm Oerddwr , there were stunning views towards the Snowdon horseshoe , a fine day to ascend Snowdon via Crib Goch for anyone lucky enough to be doing so .
Continuing down through the valley it was a glorious day , The path continues to a stile where it enters the wood's at Aberglasyn pass , a dlightfull walk along the AfonGlaslyn concludes the trip back to beddgelert , lot's of family's were out walking along the river , enjoying the fine Christmas weather , it had been a very enjoyable and relaxed couple of day's .
until the next time , happy wildcamping.
Daron
