Glyder Fach (994m): From Dolgam Camp Ground to Plas-y-Brenin, crossing the road and heading up to Y Foel Goch, to the summit of Glyder Fach, then dropping down the Miners path, paralleling Tryfan, and returning to Capel Curig and Dolgam. Camped over night (2 nights) at Dolgam Camp Ground.
Total Time: 10 hours; Total Distance 26.6km; Total Ascent: 1,718m
Journey Planning started with review of weather reports from the Met Office Mountain weather reports and MWIS for Snowdonia/North Wales. Forecast included a Yellow Warning for High Heat. Valley temperatures at 29C, and summit temperatures around 24C. This was the first heat wave of the season and the open country on the ascent to the summit of Y Foel Goch and then Glyder Fach offered little shade or respite from the sun. There was also little in the way of wind. A very hot sunny day requiring multiple applications of sun screen and a sun hat for protection.
Route planning included the use of an OS Landranger 115, 1:50,000 map for an overview, and OS Explorer OL17, 1:25,000 map for detailed decisions on routes. Also included consulting of Harvey Maps Snowdonia North 1:40,000 map to gain perspective on the differences of Harvey in higher elevations (now that I have moved up from Hill and Moorland elevations.
One lesson learned about mountain summits in Wales. compared to the HML summits, is the amount and distance of massive rock scrambles near and on the summits. I can now visualize the change from regular brown contour lines to grey areas of scree, outcrops and rocks. I under estimated the time for this walk. I had expected 8 to 9 hours, and it took 10 hours. The heat had a significant impact on that. When I found a sliver of shade behind a stone wall or rock out crop I took longer breaks than usual, but the extra scrambling time and effort was not anticipated. Now I know why "Glyder" refers to heap of stones. Lesson learned.
Primary risks for this walk were the high temperatures and lack of shade or respite from the strong direct sunlight. Precautions included multiple applications of sunscreen, a sun hat, and sufficient water to maintain hydration. The ground under foot was dry.
Primary objective for this walk was to learn the walking routes and terrain of a new area, and navigate by map features and contours only. I did not pull a compass out on the entire journey. Also explored parking places and places to start and end future journeys in the area.
Area :
Glyderau
The Glyderau (a Welsh plural form, also known in English as the Glyders) are a mountain group in Snowdonia, North Wales. The name derives from the highest peaks in the range, Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. According to Sir Ifor Williams, the word "Glyder" derives from the Welsh word "Cludair", meaning a heap of stones.
