An absolutely beautiful morning for taking on the highest mountain in Wales. For me it was the last of the National Three Peaks to check off my list. I might not have done them over a 24 hour time period like the official challenge. Still all three in less than 2 months isn’t bad.
The Route
Starting from the Llyn Gwynant campsite which was perfect for the circular route I wanted to take. Between the start of the Watkins path and the end of the Pyg Track.
The Watkins Path
I choose this path because I had hoped it would be the quieter option, I wasn’t wrong. Just a father and son and a second small group, we had this side of the mountain to ourselves. It didn’t take long before I realised that I had once again layered up to far and finding a spot to undress and drop some layers was a little difficult. One thing that I have developed on my hiking adventure a little lack of caring, I barely went off the track and I stopped down and removed a few of my layers.
One thing I always need to way up is if I would rather be hotter with the layers, or have the extra weight in my pack. With this being the beginning of summer that choice was pretty clear.
The Watkins path is one of the more picturesque routes up. Following the streams, waterfalls and small pools up the mountain. It is definitely worth stopping for a dip on warmer days.
This side also carries a little bit of the history of the mountain. Passing by the old buildings that once held the miners and also the Gladstone Rock, marking where the pathway to the top was first officially appointed through the land that was privately owned at the time.
It is worth noting that a lot of the mountains around our country are still privately owned. Often by farmers so it is imperative that it is respected as the grant us access way through their land.
Final Scramble
I’ll be honest I found this scramble section near the end of the Watkins path difficult. Well, rather than technical difficulty, it just really wore me out
The Summit
It was quite busy at the summit of Wales highest mountain, but I didn’t have to queue for long. Even if I did manage to almost miss my chance at the trig taking photos for other people.
The views of the surrounding mountains was amazing though. Sitting on the edge of the summit, with the crowds behind me it felt like had it to myself. One thing I have learned along my hiking journey is how to cut out any chatter in the background. All so that I can to immerse myself in the beautiful view of the mountains tops that are scattered throughout this area of the Eryri.
Descending the Pyg Track
After a lunch break at the I was feeling full of beans. I think I made pretty good time down the Pyg Track. I got from the summit to the youth hostel in less than 80 mins. That also included stopping to help some people along the way, I always carry extra stuff and did spare a bottle of water for someone sturggling half way up. I also shared some tissue, wetwipes and suncream on the way down. That last one I probablly could have done with a little more myself. I was a little pink at this point!
One thing that kept me motivated on this final stretch was seeing the bar at the youth hostel in the distance. Of course you in true me style, since I started so early it wasn’t quite ready yet. Not the first time I have been hankering for a pint and found a pub that wasn’t open. I am sure that it won’t be the last.
From Pen Y Pass it’s a pretty nice walk through farmers fields and following the streams back towards Llyn Gwynant. Well apart from those menaces of the cows, and a big lack of fencing or walls separating them from the path. Still there is another lake to cool down in, which made for an a lovely final pitstop on what was a pretty awesome hike.