Walking on a stream: The great Snowdon adventure

I awoke at 6am after 6 hours sleep. This would normally leave me groggy but I had a spring in my step and a smile on my face. It was Snowdon day. For those that don’t know it is the highest mountain in England and Wales and, so I’m told, the most climbed mountain in the world. A second attempt at the feat as the last time the weather forecast had predicted storms at the summit. This time the forecast was more pleasing; cloud and light rain. 

I’d packed my things the night before. I’d picked up some of my new gear for Kilimanjaro the night before and decided there’s no time like the present to try things out. This included my new walking boots, day pack, headwear, socks and poles. I wore my trusty gym bra and top, trousers and ‘waterproof’ jacket which is 3 sizes too big for me now. Yes!!! I didn’t think I’d need my waterproof trousers or gaiters. Little did I know. I also didn’t think to take spare clothing. You will see later why this was a mistake. 

I’d already planned my food for the day. After feeling quite faint on my previous walks I decided I needed good food from each group. In the morning I had omelet for protein, with bacon for fat and wholemeal bread for complex carbs. I made my lunch which consisted of a wholemeal wrap, chicken breast pieces and wholemeal rice x2. I’d also packed lots of sugary snacks. 

The drive to pick up my friend was uneventful and quick in my horrid Skoda hire car. I arrived and she was as excited as I. We bungled everything into the car and headed off down the A5 to our final destination; The Pen y pass car park or the start of the Pyg track up to the summit of Snowdon. 

The weather was still a bit crappy but I could cope. It was drizzling which was miserable and meant the view was nonexis and I couldn’t take any pictures but the walk itself started of quite enjoyable. The Pyg path is very much rock and steps, which I like, and little streams were running between them. The higher we got the worse the weather became. It’s obvious now I think of it. People were coming down saying how horrible it was at the top but I didn’t quite believe them. 

By a quarter of the way my clothes had conpletely soaked through. Including my coat. Damn coat. Even Lou said her knickers had soaked through. This was going to be an uncomfortable climb. My buff blew off and landed in a puddle. I was gutted. 

The climb itself didn’t really get any harder. There were a couple of parts where I had to scramble but otherwise it was quite a pleasant trek. However, the weather continued its assault and it became too much for Lou. I lost her about three quarters of the way up. No, close your mouth, she didn’t get blown over a cliff, she just turned back. She probably had the right idea because doing what I did next, alone, was downright dangerous.

I continued. I was blown over several times, my face was battered by stinging rain and fierce winds. The rocks were slippy and the streams were filling up. My trousers were so soaked, that the water was dripping into my boots meaning my feet were also wet and squelchy. 

After the final horrendous ascent through hell, I reached the top. I didn’t even care to bask in my glory I just touched the top and went and found a spot to eat a quick soggy wrap before heading back. 

Down, wasn’t any easier for a while as the wind was still against me. However, it got better. I was still walking in streams but I could cope with that. I met a few nice people on the way down who helped me over the hard parts or just had a little chat. 

I could finally see the car. The bloody ugly hire car. Not how you want to end the day. Actually, driving any car home in wet clothes and to find that my DSLR is water damaged is not how anyone wants to end the day. 

But at the end of the day I did it and in pretty harsh conditions. Therefore, I’m pretty damn pleased with myself! 

Reviews:

Pyg path: great on a sunny day. Do it. 

Coat: awful. Do not buy.

Boots: great. Comfy and waterproof. Wear with gaiters. 

Bag: good but get a dry bag for electronics. 

Poles: didn’t use them. 

Socks: comfy and warm when not wet. 

Buff: lovely. 

🧳 UNPACKED

The Climb (2016): Snowdon, second attempt. Tested new Kilimanjaro gear – boots, pack, poles, buff. Weather forecast said “cloud and light rain.” Weather delivered biblical storms, soaked-through everything (including Lou’s knickers), buff blown into puddle, lost Lou 3/4 up, blown over multiple times, feet squelching, ate soggy wrap at summit, touched top, went straight back down. DSLR water damaged. Hire car still ugly. Did it anyway.

What Worked: Boots (comfy, waterproof with gaiters), bag (needed dry bag though), socks (when dry), buff (before puddle incident), pre-climb food planning (omelet, bacon, wholemeal bread, wrap with chicken and rice, sugary snacks).

What Didn’t: Coat (3 sizes too big, not waterproof, total failure), poles (didn’t use), weather (understatement), spare clothes (didn’t bring any – mistake).

Mountain Prep Essentials:

I’m not actually going to recommend anything here because I haven’t used anything in a while and I think I’m out of practice. If I do use anything I’ll update.

Worth Knowing: Pyg path is great on a sunny day. Not great in storms. “Cloud and light rain” can mean “biblical assault by weather gods.” Always bring spare clothes. Modern gear has probably improved massively since 2016 – waterproof likely means waterproof now.