Day 1 - Greg's Blog

With fellow crew members abandoning ship and venture, and with weather trapping us in Pwllheli, Captain Tim and I got drunk about town last night as preparation for today’s climb up Snowdon. Although conditions in the Irish Sea will prevent our passage on Stray Cat there was sunshine over Snowdonia for the first climb of our 3 Peaks Challenge. Sorely hung over Tim and I set out at 10am this morning from Pen-Y-Pass to walk the ‘Pyg Track’ some 1085m to the summit of Snowdon. This is a relatively easy climb [even with a hang over!] and gives one a chance to appreciate the awesome beauty of the mountain and beyond to the rest of the range. In today’s hazy sunshine the panorama of dramatic peaks, lakes and valleys stretching in darkening shades to the distance. The rich, deep greens of the trees and fields at this time of years are striking too; and the lowland air is fresh and fragrant.

At a gentle pace we quickly made good time to the path overlooking Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn lakes. The wind was fierce and gusting as we cleared the shelter of the mountain. Below, on the surface of the lakes, its shape can be seen in moving patterns of rippling waves and foam.

The climb to the intersection of the paths just below the summit is physical although beyond that point to the summit itself is an easy finish. There are many people on the mountain today and it’s very busy at the top. Tim and I stop only to take a few photos and then set off back down to the car. Our decent is rapid save for the pauses as we meet oncoming climbers in their endless procession.

I’d climbed Snowdon once before many years ago but had forgotten its magnificent beauty. I’d recommend it as an easy, yet exertive climb with some amazing views. Passage of Hope 2008: 3 Peaks Challenge is well and truly underway with a good warm up climb… we’re both looking forward to Ben Nevis next on Monday and then Scarfell Pike on Tuesday or Wednesday.