Uncharted Territory

Regular readers may remember that earlier in the year I made a very sad discovery when trying a new walk and this had put me off finding unfamiliar places to hike.

However, I decided that I can't let it stop me exploring, so armed with my trusty "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed" guidebook, I set out.

The walk I chose was a 6 mile easy/moderate circular hike leading through forestry and up to a secluded lake called Llyn Elsi. Two points need to be made here. Firstly Easy/moderate were their words and certainly not mine. Secondly, how could anyone not want to visit a lake called Elsi!

So started off in Betws. First major setback of the day. Cadwaladers is closed for refurbishment! Had to find an alternative catering establishment. Luckily, there are plenty there!

The walk starts off climbing a hill behind the church and up to a forest. The path then zig zags very steeply through the forest until you eventually come to the lake.

I must admit that having conquered Snowdon the previous week, I was feeling very confident in my fitness. But this long steep path nearly did for me! I was more puffed in places than at any time during my mountain hike and had to stop a few times just to stop wheezing!

However, as usually happens, it was well worth the climb. To find this beautiful secluded lake with not a sound in the air apart from an occasional bird, was wonderful.

Llyn Elsi was actually designated a reservoir in 1914 and there is a monument commemorating that event with one of the most wonderfully placed benches for admiring the view.

Further around the lake is the Dam. Not the most elegant I have seen, but quite imposing in its own way.

The weather wasn't brilliant for taking photos. It was dry which was the main thing, but really quite dull. There were some gorgeous autumn colours out there, but I just couldn't get it to work in the photos. Trying to bump it up in Lightroom just made it all look very false, so I decided to leave it alone. Some things you just have to.

Anyway, according to the map and directions the plan was to walk around the lake then carry on through forest and farmland to complete the full 6 miles. Simples!

However. I am not sure whether the instructions weren't clear enough, or I just have a mental blockage when it comes to directions, but I lost the path. Again. Ended up wading through some very swampy ground. There seemed to be junctions where I wasn't expecting them and no paths where I was. I think I maybe need my own team of Sherpas when I go out.

I worked on the basic assumption that I had climbed a long way up to get to the lake, so as long as I headed downwards, I shouldn't go to far wrong. I did actually see some wonderful scenery on this mystery tour and apologies to all those farmers upon whose land I may inadvertently have trespassed!

Got down eventually as I always knew I would, but unfortunately my knee really started hurting again and I guess I am going to have to get it checked, and soon, before it becomes a real problem.

A fabulous day and an interesting hike, finished beautifully by the sun breaking through the clouds on the way home.

It hasn't put me off trying new walks, in fact, I really enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing what I was going to see around every corner. The strange thing is that when I looked back at the map, I managed to cut a whole chunk out, but still did the same amount of miles. Bizarre!

I haven't tried anything new for a while so maybe this will encourage me to get my act together again!

Lessons Learned: I have absolutely no sense of direction, and as I may have mentioned previously, the Navigationally Challenged is there for a reason. However, it does open me up to the excitement of not knowing where the heck I am or where I am going!

I need to carry wellies with me at all times for the inevitable unexpected swamp!

Diet Diary: Struggled. Back on track now. Almost back down to the weight I was when returning from holiday. Then just got to lose the 6lb I put on when actually on holiday! It's so hard!!

Rambling Record: Can't quite believe it, but 967 miles so far! Should get the 1000 finished in the next couple of weeks. Unbelievable!

The Return of the Mountain Goat

Monday dawned bright and clear, the school run was sorted and the only question I had to answer was where should I go on such a lovely day.
I let Maisie decide on Coast or Mountain on the way to dropping her off at school and she chose mountain. I did feel a bit guilty about her helping me plan my epic day out on the way to spending the day at school, but I soon got over it! OK, who just said "Bad Mother"!?
So the choice was train to the top of Snowdon or walk part way up, wasn't confident I could get all the way to the top. I expected that the train would be full, it being such a gorgeous day, so Miner's track it was.

I paid my £5 parking for 4 hours and set off. I made the decision not to take photos on the way up. I have taken so many already on this stretch and I really wanted to enjoy the views, the walk and the weather. It is too easy to see all the grandeur around you through a lens and you can miss the sheer scale and beauty of your surroundings.

Before I knew it, and reasonably easily, I was at Glaslyn and it looked beautiful in the sunshine.

And there, displaying itself magnificently against the perfection of a deep blue sky untroubled by clouds, was the summit. And I thought "I can do that!"

My only previous conquering of Snowdon was about 18 months ago. The top half was in snow and fog, so I didn't have any views at all.

It has to be said that I am not an elegant climber. There was a lot of scrambling with arms and legs akimbo, a lot of red faced puffing and a not inconsiderable amount of time with my rear end being thrust heavenward. Pretty it wasn't!

Finally I got to the intersection of the Miner's and the Llanberis paths, only to see the approach of the train. I will admit to a fleeting feeling of smugness and superiority knowing that I had got up there under my own steam, but this was swiftly dealt with when I remembered that if it hadn't been full, that would have been me on that train!

Turning away from the train, I saw my destination. Still a long way off, but almost within touching distance. To look down and see the lakes I had walked around so far below was incredible. I can't begin to describe how breathtaking the views are from up there. No photo will ever do it justice. If you ever get the chance, go there, however you do it.

Last time, I didn't get to see these views because of the fog and it was amazing just how much sea can be seen. It hadn't really registered just how close we were to the water, on most sides.

I must at this point say that the facilities at the top are fabulous. There is a very posh cafe where you can top up the food and drink levels, plus the ever present gift shop! And joy of joys, posh flushable loos. These things are important to us ladies of a certain age!

Downside of it being a glorious day, it was packed. 2 different trains arrived within a few minutes of each other and the very pinnacle with the plaque had queues! Managed to get up eventually and it is a very special thought that me and the unknown woman who was standing beside me were the highest people in England and Wales at that time. 

Spent a very enjoyable half hour just taking in the views and preparing for the descent.

As I started on my way, the train passed me again and as I looked over the top of it, saw Anglesey across the Menai Strait, and there was Llandwyn, my very favourite place. I have always seen Snowdon from there, and it was just amazing to see it from Snowdon. It's wonderful when some things come together and just seem right.

Now the only decision was which way to go down. I have fancied having a go at the Pyg track as it is supposed to be quite challenging, so I thought it would be an idea to experience it going down, rather than up. Big Mistake!

The Miner's track has a swift, steep descent, then levels out but the Pyg was up and down all the way back. About 1/4 of the way back I felt my knees start to twinge. After about another 200 yds it turned from twinge to painful, swiftly followed by excrutiating. It was like someone had put a blade through my kneecaps and was turning it with every step. I won't dwell on this apart from to say that it took 3 hrs to go up and 3 1/2hrs to come down, much of it fighting back tears and yelps! I have never in all my life been so pleased to see my car, especially as I was 3 hours over my paid for parking and yet I hadn't been given a ticket!

As I drove home, my thoughts were that I would never be able to do that again. I have to accept my limitations and realise that the only part of my body that thinks it is still 35 is the section of my brain that deals with denial! But then I thought that even if that were the case and my mountaineering days were over, 2 years ago it never occurred to me that they would even have started! And certainly not that I would be taking selfies at the same time!

To celebrate the last climb to the top, I dyed my hair pink. Now I just have to decide what to do this time. Suggestions welcome!

Lessons Learned: Its not a new lesson this time, but the reaffirmation of something I have learned previously but had begun to doubt. I am Amazing! I have an constant ongoing battle with the wimp in me that doesn't think I can do stuff, but luckily, new Pink Haired Shaz, adventurer, explorer and all round crazy person keeps winning through! (and btw only me and one other person is allowed to call me Shaz, so please don't try it as I tend to snarl!)

Memory of pain fades quickly and I have since found myself planning how I am going to climb it next time. Currently going for Miner's up and train down!

Diet Diary: I can climb mountains and battle against overwhelming pain, but can't resist cake. Diet is not going well

Rambling Record: Currently standing at 913 miles this year. Can't quite believe it. Aim is to have the 1000 done by the end of October. Watch this space!