Llanberis weekend 11 -13 March 2011

After a good journey to Wales we arrived in Llanberis at about 10 pm. As usual the YHA was up a long dark lane but at least we didn't have to carry the bags as they were transported in a van. We soon settled in at the hostel and it wasn't long before the cheese and biscuits and wine were being shared in the lounge. I was in a room with 4 others and we were lucky enough to have an ensuite shower and toilet with 2 more showers and toilets directly opposite the room, no shortage of facilities!

After a full English breakfast we made our way down to the town to meet the coach and set off to climb Snowdon. As usual there were a variety of walks on offer, not all involved climbing mountains! I decided on the B walk ascending Snowdon by the Rhyd Ddu path. Eamon the coach driver came with us up the mountain. Unfortunately the weather wasn't at its best so the views were misty lower down and non existent higher up but at least we all made it to the top and then walked down the long track to Llanberis. Eamon of course had to go back to Rhyd Ddu to the coach on his own and thankfully he managed this in good time with no mishaps on the way.
































We were all very pleased to get back down again into the warm and dry. Before returning to the hostel I went to a nearby shop to buy some Welsh honey to take home but had second thoughts when I saw the price, £12.99 a jar...........not for a Yorkshire girl!!

The first people back managed to have a hot shower before the evening meal of lovely home made soup and warm rolls, chicken, roast potatoes and veg, and apple crumble and custard, followed by more wine in the lounge to celebrate Frank's 79th birthday. I'm sure we all wish that we will be as fit as Frank at that age, he's a Starr!!!

Sunday







The weather was much better today although it still felt a bit cold and the mountain tops were covered in snow. I decided to do the B walk again, no mountains this time, a path from near to Llyn Ogwen down to Capel Curig then along the valley to Betws y Coed. Looking back we could see the snow topped mountains as we stopped for lunch.



















We stopped again for a sit down and a tea break in the grounds of the Ugly House now a National Trust property.


The rest of the walk took us beside the river, which was quite tricky as flooding had exposed many of the tree roots, and then through the woods to Swallow Falls and the Miner's Bridge before arriving in Betws y Coed about 4.00 pm with plenty of time for tea and buns before leaving for home at 6.00 pm prompt.

I can highly recommend the Alpine Coffe Shop near the railway station for its splendid choice of teas and coffees from around the world and delicious scones, cakes and muffins. One to remember for the next visit!

We arrived back in Bradford about 9.20 pm. Many thanks to all the organisers and walks leaders for another successful and very enjoyable trip. The group in the hostel seems to be increasing in numbers with every trip and there is always someone to talk to.

Thanks also to Eamon for getting us there and back safely and joining in with the walks. I'm sure he'll be saying we have to do circular walks in future so he can do them too!!

The next weekend away is In Kirk Yetholm at the end of April and this will be a very special one as we complete the Pennine Way. What next??