Saturday 4 April 2009
15km / 9 miles
A walk from the campsite at Llyn Gwynant
It may be trite or a cliche, but there really are parts of Wales that are truly magical. You really do feel like you are in a different place in the world.
This was my first time camping, everything still had stickers on so i got the piss mercilessly taken, but it didn't matter. The campsite was on the edge of Lyn Gwynant, and we'd got our own field just on the edge of the lake.
After some help with pitching my tent, we sat around the camp fire, cooked dinner, and talked. There were a few issues with my stove (moral of the story - read instructions and practice before you get out there), then just before we went to bed it started to rain.
The first night in the tent wasn't too bad, apart from being cold. This was probably due to me having only a foam sleeping mat, the second night i was loaned a silk sleeping bag liner which made the sleep much better.
Despite me being absolutely freezing and having to wear thermals the walk on the Saturday was wonderful, and took in the range of the welsh countryside, from valleys used for sheep farming, mountain views, waterfalls, rock pools, and former mines. The route then took us over the southern part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, and down along the Miner's track to Pen - Y - Pass along the edges of Llyn Lydaw and Llyn Teyrn.
Then back at camp there was a quick detour into Betws-Y-Coed in an attempt to find a gas cylinder (failed), then return to camp for a something to eat and a shower (which warmed me through more than i ever thought possible). We then settled down to enjoy the most amazing night.
A roaring camp fire, chilled and relaxed company on a clear night with the moon reflecting off the lake, allowing the mountains surrounding us to demonstrate their utter awesomeness under a blanket of stars.
The Sunday was spent with a quick tour of Plas-Y-Brenin, a quick walk around Llanberis, an aborted attempt to go to Pete's Eats (no dogs allowed), finally ending up in Betws with a snack at the The Royal Oak.