Glasgwm, now and then

[yokehead]

On 23 May 2018 I was on a round of the hills at the head of Cwm Cywarch taking in a couple of Hewitts. The original plan had been to descend after the second peak but, looking over at Glasgwm, I recalled a superb trip up there nearly 10 years ago. My word, how those years have flown, it is hard to credit! Such great memories of that day so I couldn't resist a revisit to take another look and tread the same ground that Sarah, Chaz and me had climbed and walked back then.

Our previous trip was done in Dec 2008. In the valley it was cold, damp, gruey and still. Mist capped the hills. But everything was frozen so at least we had no bog to contend with as we ascended. We skimmed stones on a frozen pool and sucked icicles! As we neared the summit we noticed that the sky seemed lighter and, sure enough, we climbed out of the mist into a glorious wonderland of deep blue sky, hot sun, masses of rime ice like snow, and the mist flowing between the bigger mountains. And it was completely calm and still. What a reward for our efforts!

On my revisit it was a glorious spring day so once at the top of Glasgwm I could compare views whilst recalling what we'd done 10 years ago. It all came flooding back to me, so great to have been with the guys. So Glasgwm, now and then......

Sarah and Chaz on the way up, in the mist

just before the summit, looking back to Aran Fawddwy

and Sarah, back then

looking over the lovely lake to the south

and the cloud sea last time

the large cairn - I added the upright stone for us 3

and Chaz all rimed up!

looking toward Cadair Idris and the few trees

last time, there was a huge forest there - you can just see it in the mist, now it has nearly all gone. we went through it later that day

across the lake looking to the cairn

it was partially frozen last time

time to contemplate how privileged we were to be here on this day

the steep, winding old mining track on descent - no photo from last time since it was misty and nearly dark!