A slightly shortened variation of the Northern Arans 2-day circuit we did last year, following our familiar approach up the northern ridge and circling around to Creiglyn Dyfi, and returning via the very seldom trodden north ridge of Esgeiriau Gwynion.
Only a couple of weeks ago the country was severely disrupted by extensive snow and ice and the mountains had the heaviest snowfall in years, yet almost all of it has gone now even around the summit of Aran Fawddwy at just under 3000 feet. Llyn Pen Aran had retained a covering of snow to give us an excellent though brief taste of the winter scenery.
The timing was perfect for this circuit: clear summits and sunshine for the high ridge walk and its extensive views on the outward leg, and dramatic vistas of thick trapped mist boiling over the cliffs for the walk through the cwm and return leg via the clear eastern hills.
6 Comments
Hi Geoff - glad to see you out and about again, I bet you were getting itchy feet! Loved the photo’s especially the one’s of the cloud rolling down off the summits, very atmospheric!
Gary …
About time too, we were climbing the walls here.
It was fantastic to see that cloud spectacle but never actually be in it, it must have been grim on the ridge that day.
Hi Geoff,
Another great trip report and photos are great. I’m going mad waiting to get out for a night in the hills. I think a solo will be called for at the end of March but that seems a world away right now. Reading reports of others is a sufficient fix though so thanks for posting these great routes.
Marcus.
Thanks Marcus, it was an excellent first backpack for the year.
I know that when I see the reports and pictures of others, I want to set off right away.
Catching up on my blog reading Geoff and that was a great read. I liked the mist rolling in over the tops. Table mountain comes to Wales. Good rout for the short daylight hours of winter. Glad your up on the hills again.
Martin,
Thanks once again, it was a fine route in an area we never tire of, and in such great conditions.