Moel Siabod (872): from Dolgam camp ground (140m) to Capel Curig and Plas-y-Brenin, and then climbing to the summit of Moel Siabod. Returned by scrambling over the rocky ridge to the northeastern most edge of the ridge, then back towards the summit and down to Plas-y-Brenin, Capel Curig, and Dolgam camp ground where I tent camped for the night.
Total Time: 6 hours, 21 minutes; Total Distance: 16.01km
Unfortunately my GPS tracker that I use for DLogs did not work properly for this particular walk.
Journey included two separate QML days with two nights camping at Dolgam.
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 Moel Siabod 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.
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. The only minor risk was the scramble along the Moel Siabod ridge on the northeastern end, and at the summit.
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 :
Moelwynion
The Moelwynion (a Welsh plural, sometimes anglicised to Moelwyns) are a group of mountains in central Snowdonia. They extend from the north-east of Porthmadog to Moel Siabod, the highest of the group. The name derives from the names of the two largest mountains in the group, Moelwyn Mawr (great white hill) and Moelwyn Bach (little white hill).
