Arriving at Holyhead, I braced myself for the last leg of the trip, trying hard not to worry whether I’m ready to complete the walk I was looking forward to, Snowdon Horseshoe. I ran through all that I’ve done and practiced for the last few weeks and it’s been great being able to follow weather forecast and making sound decisions on all my walks.
I had to distract myself, so I went for a gentle walk around South Stack to get the legs working again going down and up from the lighthouse. Steep and uneven, wet and a tad slippery; not scary at all!!! The lighthouse entry and tour was not very organised, so got a refund but it was good to be on the grounds of the lighthouse to see why it needed to be there to guide ships to the safety of the harbour.
I drove around a little to clear my head before heading over to the Capel Curig to check into a nice place for a couple of nights in a room with a beautiful view of the mountains, a nice treat at the end of the road trip. I have been constantly checking the weather since Ireland to make sure I don’t miss out on a good weather opening for the walk and to make sure that I was in the right place at the right time. All that time and effort paid off, a window of good weather the next day before the rain that has been following me around on the trip arrives. After another short gentle walk and a delicious dinner, it was an early night so that I could drive up to Nant Peris Park and Ride to catch the bus to Pen Y Pass.
There were quite a few people already on their way up various routes going up to Snowdon by the time I arrived by bus. This was my first time walking the Snowdon Horseshoe and solo, it meant that I could take my time and hopefully not holding up people while I walk across Crib Goch. There was a sense of being in the present, being in the right place, being in the right moment and been given the privilege to be able to do this on my own. I felt grateful, truly grateful!
Crib Goch was as describe by many of my friends; amazing, awesome, exposure galore, manageable, beautiful and I was fortunate enough to be on it on a clear morning with gentle breeze that provided the best condition to walk the ridge. I wouldn’t want to be up there on a cloudy gusty day!
Snowdon was covered every now and again with clouds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the peak cleared of clouds or mists for long period of time, it gives it a mystical feel…I always imagine that the Welsh Dragon may reveal itself, even if it’s a short fleeting moment when the clouds cleared. Oh what a sight that would be! I know, I know…it is wishful thinking but these imagination of the impossible and mystical do keep me sane when the world I know is getting more and more insane. The mountains, nature and the imagination of the things of old and fantastical provided the refuge I need when life gets a bit overwhelming.
When I reached Snowdon, the clouds were covering Crib Goch and it looked like the wind has picked up as well. I really couldn’t believe the blessing of good weather that I’ve been having throughout the year, let alone this trip. Ever since my birthday, the timing of things seemed to be on my side or perhaps I’ve learnt to make better educated decisions and trusted my instinct when I needed it most.
Note to self; never ascent using the Watkin Path, it’s not the nicest route even when I was on my way down to head over to Y Llwedd. A few people were struggling to walk up some of the sections because of loose rocks and being trained as a mountain leader as well as an experienced walker, I tried to help where needed and wished them a good day, hoping that they won’t need to come down later on the same route.
The last stretch of the walk was when my heels started to ache and I knew that was the limit, gentle descent and focus required to get down safely. Once I made it to the Miners’ Track, I was elated and forgot about all the aches and pain, walking (and occasionally skipping) happily all the way back to Pen Y Pass. Some of the people I went pass must have thought I’ve lost my mind. To me, it was a successful objective and a successful road trip!
With a bit of TLC, good food and a good night sleep, I was ready to start a chill drive back home. Had an amazing breakfast at Conwy Falls Cafe (have to remember to come back for the fun activities next time) and stopped by National Trust’s Chirk Castle to get the legs moving a bit on their trails. I still managed to savour a few wild blackberries and encountered a secret hiding place formed by a large tree with the entrance slightly sheltered from view. I wanted to stay, half hoping the possibility of stepping into a different world by touching the ancient tree. Trees this old felt so healing and the energy it gave out was so pure, it was hard to pull myself away from that place.
The journey home was a reflective one, recalling the start of the trip in the Peak then heading over to the Lakes to test my legs as well as how I feel about ridges and exposures to the drive around Ireland and the spectacular day walking the Snowdon Horseshoe. Before I knew it, I was home and thinking about what’s next! Hahaha…very typical, no change there!!!
Until next time…
Reflect-Action > Reflection 
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