Around Aber Again

[snowdonia7]

Last minute decision to head for the hills and settled on a route from Aber that I have done on a number of occasions as it's probably the closest of Snowdonia's mountains to home. Weather forecast had been poor, but arrived in sunshine and set off from the car park at the start of the walk to the falls. First mile uphill on tarmac road before heading up steep W face of Foel Dduarth - with no path. Bit of a jog to next ascent of Foel-ganol and continued along the broad undulating ridge before joining the well-defined path to Drum.

Maintained a good pace to the summit and pushed straight on towards Foel Fras. A short stop at the summit before heading off SW following a wall. At the end of the wall took the path to Garnedd Uchaf and then the rocky outcrop of Yr Aryg. Staying south of Yr Aryg I followed the feint path towards Bera Bach - passing this on the south side too and heading towards Drosgl. Once again skirt round the south side and follow the path (which at this point is more pronounced) and start descending in a NE direction heading towards Moel Wnion with the small conical Gyrn ahead and to the left.

On the descent NW along Afon Gam I was starting to feel it and I was only able to run sporadically and on reaching the north Wales path I walked the section to Aber falls. I was able to trot after this back to the car park getting back 5 minutes over 3 hours.

Given that the trip had been completed in sturdy boots and carrying a pack (albeit fairly light) and my lack of fitness it is difficult to say what a 'par' time might be around the route for a fell race - all being well I'll have a crack at it later in the summer.