My first here guys so please go gentle!
I thought I'd treat myself to a day off on my birthday a few years back (2017 to be exact) so I pack up my gear and headed out to the Snowdonia National Park. Given that I had a free choice of location, I decided on a lesser frequented area of the park just outside of Bala on a cold February morning.
Parking at the disused Arenig Quarry on the lane off the A212, I decided to go counter-clockwise to the summit. Heading back down the lane and then along the path passed the bridge, I turned left and started the steep climb up.
Once I reached the fence and crossed it, I used it as a handrail to keep me on track especially as the snow began falling as I went higher, yet the views behind were still stunning as I gazed towards Snowdon, Glyders and beyond.
The snow wasn't heavy but the clag began to surround the summits and the temperature dropped further.
Reaching the summit, and the memorial to the B-17 pilots that crashed on there in 1943, I stopped for a quick drink and trail bar, whilst trying to keep out the strong cold wind. I was joined by two other walkers that were using the small cairn to layer up before heading off the way I came.
There was a quick break in the cloud so I pop my head over the rocks to capture a quick shot before grabbing my gear to continue on my way.
Frost covered the ground as I headed lower making a bearing towards Y Castell as it was marked on the map above Llyn Arenig Fawr.
I stopped for a rest, taking in the views.
Finally there was a path to follow that was guiding me back to the small (tiny more like!) bothy just alongside the makeshift ladder bridge. Keeping to the churned up farm track I flanked Moel y Garth towards the road once again. Back on the lane, I turned left and ambled down the lane taking in the sights of Arenig from below and marvelling at the change in temperature from the top.
Upon reaching the car once again, my GPS showed the walk as a windy, cold yet pleasurable 7.4 mile hike around a great overlooked mountain. I did produce a short video that is also on YT if anyone is interested (not sure if I can link it on here).
EDIT: link to YouTube video added.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9dDWMCqvmw&list=PLb5wFQ9ibUZMGQpXoTamZaX25i96WfrK8&index=2&t=7s [nofollow]