12th July 1981-North Wales-Snowdonia

Range Walking Club
Sunday 12th July 1981-North Wales-Snowdonia
The next outing for the walking group will take place on Sunday 12 July 1981, and is to Snowdonia. In view of the length of the journey (at least 3 hours) it is essential that the coach leaves the school at 7.30 a.m. promptly. please assemble for 7.15 a m. There will be a short "convenience" stop on the outward journey. On the return journey there will be a long stop at Betws-y-Coed for refreshments. Notwithstanding this please bear the length of the day in mind in assessing how much food and drink to bring with you. In particular, if the weather is hot, it is essential to bring plenty to drink on the walks. We expect to be back at the school by 10.30 p m. Showell Styles has written that Snowdon is "vulgarised, overcrowded; a mountain to shun on all but the darkest and stormiest days of winter" It is true that, on average, over 1000 people a day reach Snowdon summit during the summer months but Snowdon is big enough to retain its dignity in spite of this. It has everything for the walker: 'B' Party will ascend it, 'C' Party will walk round its spectacular eastern cwm enclosed by crags and ridges. 'A' Party, on the other hand, will go up to the main ridge of the Carnedds, north of the A5. This is a superb but hard day, much of it continuously over 3000 feet, for those who have already been up Snowdon or who want one of the classic Welsh mountain walking days. If the weather is kind. the views will be magnificent - peaks, crags, lakes; from the summit, on a clear day an immense panorama includes Eire, the Isle of Man, the Lake District mountains - even Formby Point But these are true mountains and are often shrouded in mist and cloud The cost of the walks is Ł2.50 for adults and Ł1.50 for children. 'Details of these walks are below. Please indicate on the return slip which one you intend to join, by Friday, 14 May.
'A' Party
The party will leave the A5 near Tal-y-llyn Ogwen Farm (grid ref: 668605) and will follow the Afon Lloer, up on to the east ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen, which is ascended to the summit (3210 ft.) The broad ridge then leads to Carnedd Dafydd (3426 ft.), and on along the top of the great cliffs of Ysgolion Duon, via Craig Llugwy (3185 ft.), to Carnedd Llywelyn (3484 ft). The route descends past the tops of the great cliffs of Craig yr Ysfa to a col, from which a short ascent leads to Pen yr Helgi du (2732 ft.). The descent is by the broad, grassy south ridge to the CEGB's lake access road and the A5, where we shall be picked up.

Distance: 10½ miles
Total ascent: 3300 ft. The pace will not be fast.
Time: 7 hours
Leader: Dennis Ashton

'B' Party
The Party will start from Pen-y-Pass (grid ref:647557) and will ascend by the PYG Track via Bwlch y Moch, the Zig Zags and Bwlch GIas to Snowdon Summit (Yr Wyddfa - 3560 ft.). There will be a short detour to the summit of Crib-y-Ddisgl. (3493 ft.). After a good rest, descent will be by the LIanberis Path, with a stop at Halfway House for fresh lemonade (yes!) or tea. The coach will be at Llanberis. NB, Crib Goch will not be ascended by any of this party.
Distances: 9½ miles
Total ascent: 2,300 ft
Time: 6 hours
Leader: Graham Oddy

'C' Party
This also starts from Pen-y-Pass (grid ref: 647557) and takes the Miners Track to Llyn Llydaw, then up the waterfall to Llyn Glaslyn, nestling in the upper cwm of the Snowdon Horseshoe, under the huge N.E. face. The walk goes round Llyn Glaslyn, by the foot of the cliffs, past the old mine ruins, up to the PYG Track and back down to Pen-y-Pass (the restaurant is pricey!), then down the valley to Bwlch y Gwyddel and the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel.

Distance: about 8½ miles
Total ascent: 500 ft Time: 6 hours, including tea break and paddle in the lake. Leader: Barbara Oddy Please note that the coach will park in Llanberis to await 'B' Party, and will not be waiting for 'C' Party as usual at the end of the walk, 'C' Party will be picked up at Pen-y-Gwryd.