Range Walking Club

Sunday 27th September 1992-North Wales-Glyders

Welcome to the start of the 1992/93 season. Our first walk on Sunday, 27th September takes us to North Wales and the Glyders, considered by many to be the premier mountain group in Snowdonia in terms of variety and interest. A wealth of good walking amongst impressive scenery which should make for a good outing. The coach will leave school at 8.00 a.m. prompt and we expect to be back at school by 7.30 p.m. The cost remains £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children under 18 years. Please return slips with cheque to Barbara Craine, school office, by Thursday, 17th September. There will be toilet stops at the start of each walk.

SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS
Members please note that suitable footwear, warm clothing and waterproofs are essential equipment, particularly as some of the walks will traverse some of the highest mountains of North Wales where weather conditions can be very unpredictable regardless of the time of year.

'A' Walk

We start at Ogwen Cottage and follow a well made path Southwest to Llyn Idwal. From here our walk starts in earnest with a steep climb of the N.E. ridge of Y Garn (3104'). Views on the way up and from the summit are very dramatic. A descent S.E. to the col above the Devil's Kitchen followed by a steep climb brings us to the summit of Glyder Fawr (3279') and then due East to Glyder Fach (3262') with some fine rock scenery en route. Our descent continues easterly following the ridge down to Capel Curig where the walk ends.

 

Distance: 11 miles

Ascent: 3200'

Leaders: Ian Mitchell and Alan Clarkson

 

'B'+ Walk

This walk from Ogwen Cottage is an opportunity for those who do not mind using hands as well as feet to tackle the spectacular Gribbin ridge. There is a steady climb from Llyn Idwal to reach the base of the ridge and the start of a long airy scramble up a sharp edge of boulders, hopefully with the bonus of heady views down the Ogwen Valley and the profile of Tryfan. For the less adventurous, a few feet below the ridge there is an easier scramble with a steep drop on only one side! The excitement continues to 3000' where the route turns East to visit the amazing cantilever rock and the summit of Glyder Fach (3262'). High ground is maintained for as long as possible to savour the Snowdonia scenery before descending into Capel Curig.

 

Distance: 7-8 miles

Ascent: 2500'
Leaders: John Hughes and Arthur Jones

'B' Walk
This is considerably shorter than most B walks, but involves rather more ascent than usual. The spectacular views from the high level make it well worth the effort. From Ogwen Cottage a gentle climb leads to Llyn Idwal. It may be possible for those who wish to walk round the lake about a mile. The party will then contour eastwards to join the track leading up to Llyn Bochlwyd and on to the saddle GR 662588 between Tryfan and Glyder Fawr. This is a steepish ascent but it will be taken at a very easy pace. The Miner's Track then leads round the head of the valley East of Tryfan before a short ascent to the Glyder Ridge. The rest of the walk is easy going, mainly on grass, though somewhat marshy in places. The end of the ridge drops quite steeply down to Capel Curig.

Distance: 6½ miles

Ascent: 1950'
Leaders: Phil Morgan and Patrick Ferguson

'C' Walk
A delightful walk straight out of the book! Starting just West of Betws-y-Coed on the A5 we follow tracks uphill through woodland and clearing, with good views of local mountains, to reach Llyn Elsi for lunch. Our return path takes us past the remains of Rhiwddolion, an old mining hamlet, then along part of the Sarn Helen roman road, and finally over the A5 to join the lovely Afon Llugwy at Miners Briase. We return to Betws-y-Coed via the river path.

Distance: 5½ miles

Ascent: 800'
Leaders: Bob Hutt and Dave Griffiths