Mountain skills day 2 with Felicity from Blackdog Outdoor
-Start at Idwal cottage where we were instructed to look at our maps and we were briefed on the journey we would be taking. I went into the visitors centre after to look at the 3D topography of the surrounding area, Llyn Idwal, Devils Kitchen etc.
-We were asked to orient ourselves and guide each other to 'FB' labelled on our maps. We all took a moment to measure the distance and get a bearing then we started by following the black dotted footpath on our maps to read a footbridge.
-From here we carried on until the green footpath joined up with the black dotted path, moving southwest to reach Llyn Idwal
-From here we stopped several times as Felicity asked us individually to guide the group to different streams and contour lines on the map around the lake, using pacing and measurements on the map to ensure we reached the right place.
-We continues and followed the contour round of the bowl shape the glaciers had carved out. We were challenged to navigate the group to different streams and waterfalls here.
-We came upon a section of scramble, Felicity allowed me to lead and coach the group up this, I was challenged with ensuring we kept to the black dotted path. I lost the path at one points but safely directed the group back to the path. Felicity asked me where would be best to stand as a leader on scrambles so as best to coach, reassure and guide the team up the more difficult parts of the scramble, I got all of the questions right as I could naturally feel where was best for me to position myself. This gave me a boost of confidence. Felicity advised me to keep infront of the group for this scramble as to coach the group through and so they could watch where I was placing my feet/body weight/hands. I allowed one of the group to pass me at one point as I wanted to keep an eye on a less confident member of the group but I realised it would have been safer for me to remain in front and put the less confident member in-between myself and another strong member.
-We eventually got past the scramble and up on to flatter ground where we all noticed the contour lines were a lot further apart, this was at Llyn Y Cwm. Felicity then asked us all to individually guide ourselves to the 'V' shape contour like which was around 2-300m from us. We all got this successfully, then took shelter next to a rocky outcrop for lunch.
After we continued up to the final ascent of Yr Aran where we again practiced leading each other and pacing ourselves as to not get burnt out with the ascent. We reached the top successfully and took a break at the summit.
We descended along the North East ridge which was very steep at parts and tested ourselves to navigate properly with our footing as it was loose scree and sharp pointy rock. We followed this ridge all the way down to Llyn Idwal where we returned along the same footpath we took at the start
Things I learned and gained confidence in:
-Group leading and coaching on steep ground and at height
-Ground leading and coaching on grade 1 scramble
-Boosting group morale and coaching when members started to struggle
-Map reading
-Using a compass
-Taking bearings and measurements
-Navigating to contour lines and how to read the terrain to a contour line
Area :
Snowdon Massif
Snowdon (Welsh: Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in Wales, at an altitude of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland. It is located in Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) in Gwynedd, and has been described as "the busiest mountain in Britain". It is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna.
