Day 39 Pont Bethania to Cnicht

Friday : Up 07:00, away 09:00.

Struck camp without breakfast so I could eat in Caffi Pont Bethania. Cambrian Way then continued alongside Llyn Dinas lake. Passed a couple of Duke of Edinburgh parties here. A short while later met my friend Derek from Barmouth Walking festival. Derek was in good time and, as usual, I was late! I topped up with groceries then we set off.

Route started along spectacular Afon Glaslyn River. The riverside route involved traversing large rocks, handholds bolted onto the rock sides and steps bolted onto huge rocks.

Then through woodland before breaking out to an open track approach towards Cnicht. Temperature was hot by now. Derek had recced a short cut near here yesterday which had proved wet and overgrown. A reason why worth following long distance paths, they seem to be better maintained.

This path seemed interminably. We stopped for lunch at rocks suitable for sitting. At this point I reaslised I had left my walking stick. Derek returned from here after we had lunched. It had been great having his company and I felt the loss when he returned.

I continued on ever steepening ascent passing a couple of desending parties on the way. One more party at the final rock slab. I correctly ascended this on the east side. Last year I descend down the 30 foot wrst side rock slab which took ages and was hazardous.

Once atop Cnicht I carried on north a few hundred yards past 2 more lesser peaks. A short distance further on a 50 foot diameter pool looked attractive to camp near, had signal and was closer than Llyn yr Adar. There was little breeze as I pitched but it gradually increased afterwards. I then checked the forecast which predicted gusting to 49 knots! Oh well, committed now.

Today's timings -
09:00 left campsite,
09:20 arrived Caffi Bethania for breakfast
09:45 began walk on Llyn Dinas lakeside path,
11:10 arrived Beddgelert, met Derek, bought groceries,
11:30 left Beddgelert,
15:30 Derek returned to Beddgelert,
17:10 arrived bottom of Cnicht final ascent,
17:35 reached Cnicht summit,

10 miles from Pont Bethania to Cnicht completed at end of 39th day of walking and 7th on the Cambrian Way.
Total miles so far : 389
Average speed : 1.5 mph
Weather sunshine and glorious. A hot day with an occasional breeze. Wind strong in the evening from 20:00.
Number of people passed : 22
Objective tomorrow : Moelwyn Mawr then Maentwrog.Read more