by clivegrif » Sun Dec 04, 2011 9:10 am
Date walked: 21/06/2002
Time taken: 15
Distance: 52 km
Ascent: 4150m
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As we approach the shortest day, it is good to look forward to the summer, and perhaps a little foolishness.
The Snowdonia 3000's challenge is the hardest day trip there is in Wales, and is definitely one for the long days of June. The aim is to get from the summit of Snowdon to the summit of Foel Fras, via all of the other 3000 footers, in one go & preferably within 12 hours. Obviously you need to factor in getting to the start point, and down from the finish point! You will need to arrange transport to get you to Pen y pass and from the road that leads into Cwm Eigiau from Talybont – which obviously could be yours and your walking chum's cars.
The route summary is as follows:-
Setting off before dawn from Pen y Pass, use either the Miners Track or the Pyg Track, the latter was my preferred route. Both are fine by torch light. Aim to reach the Start line at the summit of Snowdon at dawn. GO!
Belt back down alongside the railway to the obelisk and up to Carnedd Ugain. The next part requires care, because you will be reversing the usual route over the Crib Goch, and that may be unfamilar. Falling off is still definitely to be avoided!
At the far end of the ridge, instead of dropping down the usual ascent route, bear left onto the northern continuation of the Crib Goch ridge, and follow it along until reaching the obvious scree slope left that drops down into Glas Cwm. Scree surf to the bottom and then follow the stream steeply at first, avoiding the crags of Dinas Mot to your right, down to the road by the campsite.
3 down, 11 to go.
Hoof it down the road, until you reach the big campsite at Nant Peris, then follow the clear path right, up the valley on the east side of the Elidir Fawr. It has to be said this is one of the two tough climbs of the day. Follow the path gently upwards at first, then cross the stream and follow the obvious steep and relentless path towards the summit. This section will really test the lungs. Eventually the grass gives way to loose blocks and the summit is gratefully reached.
The next section is much gentler, follow the obvious path past the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir and onto the main Glyders ridge. Miss out Mynydd Perfedd and Foel Goch, they are below 3,000 ft and you will need the energy later. The next 3,000 footer is Y Garn, fairly gently up to the top, then fairly gently down the other side all the way to the lake, and the foot of the next pull, up to the Glyder Fawr. The ascent is steep and loose in places, the slope being convex so it does get easier at top. Then a quick scramble up the blocks to the summit. Easily along the ridge, scramble over the Castle of the Winds and onto to the rocks of Gyder Fach. Past the Cantilever, and down to the point where the Bristly Ridge joins the main Glyders ridge. Take the nasty steep loose path down to the right of the Bristly Ridge (sorry, there is no time for that one!) to the col. Up the south ridge of Tryfan to meet the old friends Adam & Eve. My first attempt had to be called off at this point when a massive thunderstorm broke, and lightening was bouncing off the rock as we were cowering beneath Adam & Eve.
Head north a few yards and then down the obvious gully left. Race down to the A5 below heading towards Ogwen Lake, keeping the Bochwyld Buttress to your left.. I gather the fastest this has been done is around 12 minutes! 8 down, 6 to go.
After a short road bimble, it is back to some serious graft. Go past Ogwen Cottage and then straight up the south ridge of Pen yr ole Wen. This is steep, loose, and hard work, but when you do reach the top you have the comfort of knowing that the hard climbs are now done. From Pen yr Ole Wen, it is a simple walk to Carnedd Dafydd, and then on round towards Carnedd Llewellyn. However, when you reach the start of the slope upwards, take the faint contouring path left to visit Yr Elen first. From there, back over the short connecting ridge and then straight up to Carnedd Llewellyn. From here it is nice and easy out to Foel Grach, Garnedd Uchaf and then finally Foel Fras.
All done, hopefully it is still light and you made it inside 12 hours!
All you have to do now is get off....
The easiest way is to head north east towards Drum, and drop off right at the col and follow the stream that become the Afon Dulyn to reach the end of the Cwm Eigiau road from Talybont.
After all this, 32 Miles, 13,600 feet of climbing - you have definitely earned yourself a pint!
If you are wondering – 11 hours 35mins at the second attempt.
- Attachments
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- Snowdon frost
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- The Crib Goch
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- Castle of the Winds
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- The Cantilever
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- Glyder Fach & Bristly Ridge
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- The way ahead - Tryfan & the Carneddau
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- Adam & Eve
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- Tryfan & Glyder Fach in winter mist
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- Ffynnon Llugwy from Carnedd Llewellyn
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our_route.gpx
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Last edited by
clivegrif on Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.