Tanygrisiau

From the old slate workings a steady ascent for a mile, passing the left / south west turn towards Cnicht (my check point for tomorrow), then gentle soggy downhill 300 yards to Llyn Yr Adar (lake bird?), my wild camp for the night.

There is a saying for wild campers, arrive late, leave early, leave no trace. I arrived 13:30 so certainly not late. Weather was overcast with sunny intervals and a gentle, occasionally strong, breeze. Perfect for drying out the tent I had to pack wet this morning. Ground was soft enough for me to push pegs in all the way. There was a short period of light rain 3-4 but this didn’t stop the tent drying. Around the lake was mostly boggy but I found a dry, level, grassy place to pitch on the north east side of the lake near a small hillock. I used rocks to weigh down everything else that needed drying - bags, towel etc.

While tent was drying I walked around the north west lake shore to see if I could get a signal
to send these updates, but no joy. This side was also boggy marsh where I found nowhere better to pitch than where I had. A Red Kite flew in and perched on some rocks close to the tent - exciting! The lake has a central island with resting Geese that occasionally swim around the lake for my entertainment.

Got my Gaming Gaz single burner stove out for the first time this trip. Lots of reviewers suggest lighter weight stoves, but I have got used to its simplicity and convenience so am happy to carry a little extra weight. For the first time I used a metal tripod stand that clamps around the cylinder. I bought it a couple of years ago. It was a great success for keeping the stove level. I had Beef and potato hot pot and my first cup of tea this trip.

Forecast is for it to be cold overnight. Feeling as low as 1C in the small hours. Right now the breeze has stopped and sun is hazy so perfect for writing this blog … that will probably be sent tomorrow when I get a good signal. Grass is dry enough to exchange my boots for deck shoes while I stooge around the pitch.

Two scrambler bikes have just ridden past, more excitement. Some walkers object but I don’t find it a problem especially if it gets the riders off their PlayStations. Perhaps if there were lots I might. They have ridden towards Cnicht and been there some minutes, which is strange because I thought Cnicht was a steep climb. I must consult the map.

A longer walk for me tomorrow. Only one ascent 360’/110m to Cnicht a mile and a half away, then downhill all the way into Beddgelert where I have booked a holiday home for 2 nights.

Retiring to bed 19:30 today, the good weather is keeping me up late!Read more