Perfect conditions today, blue skies, no cloud, gentle breeze. Rained in the early hours of the morning so rocks were wet, most flat areas were very boggy and waterfalls were flowing down the mountain, however some beds didn't have enough rain to create a flow.
Walk started at Beddgelert carpark just outside the train station, following the path south west along a couple of rail crossings and small farms. Around 300m in to the walk the incline began, views already straight over to Yr Aran in the distance, Craig Wen looming directly north. Around 500m sections of grade 1 scramble began which was very enjoyable. Rocks were very slippery as some of the scramble routes showed evidence of being waterfalls during heavy rain with the surround rocks covered in moss, lichens and algae. As I enjoy the full body movements required from scrambling I chose to commit to the visibly steeper and more technical parts of the ascent, I ensured to assess my movements at all times and not force myself up overly dangerous paths where rocks were too slippery and not enough overhang to grab on to. During one part, I decided to safely decline and chose an adjacent paths as I decided it wasn't worth the risk. Finishing the first scramble segment I arrived on to the ridge of the mountain where the summit loomed ahead in a black mass as the sun was rising behind it. I looked back at my map to assess my planned route to the summit and if there were any secondary routes I could take should the rocks be to dangerous to climb. After assessing the conditions I stook to my original path, moving on to the final scramble before the summit, greeting a few hikers descending and taking a moment together to turn around and appreciate the amazing views the height had given us. Almost 360 degree views over to Yr Aran, Snowdon with a frosting of cloud on its summit etc. Carrying on to the summit which was relatively busy with around 7 other individuals at the peak eating lunch and appreciating the views. I traditionally placed a hand on the trig to officially finish and took a few minutes to appreciate the views, check the weather forecast on the Met Office app and eat a banana.
Descent down to north west of the mountain to Moel Hebog copper mine (disused), very steep in parts with slippy rocks all the way down. Derelict slate houses come into view which were marked as 'settlement' on my map, quick explore of the still-standing buildings, a mine cave next to them which was bordered off for safety, evidently part of the mine. Carrying on down Bwlch Meillionnen valley along to a kissing gate to Moel Yr Ogof ascent. Quickly the ascent leads to a pass of sheer rock face on both sides. Assessing my water supply and daylight hours left, combined with being in an area I hadn't been in before, I decided to descend as travelling solo and not see many others on this path. Returning through Cwm Meillionnen forest and joining back on to the national trail. Eventually joining back on to the beginning of the start of the trail by the train station and small farms.
By far my favourite hike yet
Area :
Nantlle & Hebog
The Nantlle Ridge is the name given to a small range of mountains in Snowdonia, north Wales which runs south-west from the village of Rhyd Ddu for a distance of about 9 km (6 mi), ending above Talysarn and Nebo in the Nantlle Valley.
