NW Snowdonia - Moel Eilio

[satkins]

6 person group with mixed hill walking experience and fitness
Weather was strong winds (40-50mph with gusts) in cols and summits. Cloud base approx 600m - Temp 1-2C. Wind chill effects to -5C, light rain and drizzle at times planned walk to be completed by 2pm to avoid worst afternoon weather. Forecast and mountain instructor advice was for ice axe and crampons at higher altitudes due to scattered snow and ice and high winds. Decided for lower tops based on group experience.
This was going to be our first training walk for a 3 peaks challenge in September.
Parked in lakeside car park in Llanberis (£4 per day).
Walked through Llanberis up to first top at 228m with "fort". Followed well worn path/track West for 800m to Bwlch ly groes then started ascent to Moel Eilio at 726m. Route followed footpath then fence line up a broad spur to top, marked with a roofless wind break shelter (PHOTO). Descent to col on bearing became easier as cloud lifted. Ascent on spur to Foel Goch initially follows fence line then at fence junction in cloud route finding difficult, traversed North East too far, contoured back South to path descent. Descent to spot height 467m was on steep grassy slopes. Practised glissading, on grass with walking poles, great fun, glad of the salopettes.
Descision made not to take descent route af col (467m) but to continue on with ridge line route. Following small path NW up to Moel Cynghorion. Initial 400m on broad spur, then 200m of narrow ridge. Gusting strong wind from the SE. Ridge broadens out on summit. From top headed NE until ridge then headed SE following ridge line and fence to descend(PHOTO). Timing of the descent leg important to locate the col at Cwn Brwynon in cloud. Left group to route find unmarked descent path.
Descision made not to ascend Snowdon via Snow ranger path due to wind, poor visibility and previousely reported snow and ice.
Contoured round to building near Halfway Station, involved grassy slopes, traversing high water level streams and boulder fields. Stopped for a break at 596598. Practised spike and threaded belay tied off at belay point and use of italian hitch for self arresting descent.
Undulating terrain followed for final short ascent to main Snowdon tourist path. Walked out on tourist route back to Llanberris. Finished at 2pm. Walked to Pete's Eats for a giant cup of tea, marvellous. Group enjoyed the day and felt proud of the achievement against the elements.

[ChrisW]

Man that's a rough start for the inexperienced starting out on a journey to the Three Peaks...I wonder how many thought "what the hell did I let myself in for" Great effort by all on a pretty rough day by the sound of it