LLANBERIS - 11th October 2026

 Photo: by Geoff

Thirty-one walkers took on the challenges of Wales on an absolutely glorious day. They had a brilliant day in Snowdonia, with sunshine throughout, stunning views all round and for those negotiating Crib Goch for the first time, some scary and breathtaking views.

A good journey saw all members disembarking at Llanberis at 10.50am, to begin a variety of walks.

Keith’s group left the coach in Llanberis with the sun shining brightly and barely a cloud in the sky. With a 16 mile walk and 4,600 ft ascent planned the group were mentally prepared for the challenge. The walk began by taking the Snowdonian Slate trail over the mountains and into Nant Y Betws Valley where a local almost put stop to the plans by telling the group the path was closed. Thankfully he couldn't keep a straight face for long and the walk continued. With breathtaking scenery all around, the group began the ascent of Mynydd Mawr. From the top, the whole of Anglesey was in view, as well as the Snowdon Range, Glyder Range, Carneddau Range and the whole of Nantlle Ridge. Absolutely stunning! To get back to Llanberis the group had to take the Bwlch Maesgwm path which involved reaching the Rangers Path via a very steep, grassy path. At this point every member in the group felt the burn and knew they would be sore in the morning. The group made it back to Llanberis with just enough time for a pint and to appreciate the amazing day they just had.

Geoff’s group made good time and arrived at Llanberis at 10.50am. With 7 in their group Darren had already pre-booked a local minibus taxi service to Pen-Y-Pass which was waiting for them so they had an early start on their trek across Crib Goch.

Early on they met a couple who were on a first date! They were very nervous on the scramble so the group gallantly encouraged and helped them along which, although slowing them down a bit, earned the couple’s gratitude. So for a while Geoff had 9 in his group!!

The rest of the walk went very well in glorious weather with fabulous views.

After the junction with Llanberis path, against advice 4 of our group set off for Snowdon summit which left just 3 of them. While Geoff was on the phone Darren took a wrong path so they were then down to 1!! But they soon regrouped and the three of them made it to the pub for a well-earned pint, while the other four ran out of time and had to go direct to the bus. But they all had a fabulous and very enjoyable days walking.

Paul C’s group proceeded uphill with a lunch stop view across Anglesey. They met Garry's group at the summit of Moel Eilio and continued along the ridge, with wonderful views across the whole of Snowdonia. After a steep but short final descent it was a pleasant gently sloping path back towards Llanberis, and so easy-going that they overshot their turn-off by half a mile. Whilst considering their revised route Garry's group came along so they proceeded with them to the waterfalls, which were spectacular and which would have been missed had their original route been taken! Garry continued to the castle as planned but Paul's group opted to go directly to the coach followed by refreshments outdoors in the late afternoon sunshine. 9.2 miles and 2,880 ft of ascent.

Stu & John walked through the village, to locate a slightly overgrown footpath leading to an area of long disused slate quarries and up to Bwlch-y-groes and open mountainside. Here, they cut right to climb Cefn Du, where stunning views across the Menai Strait gave a complete view of Anglesey island.

After a lunch stop beside a derelict wartime signal station, they retraced their steps to Bwlch-y-groes to climb to the summit of Moel Eilio.

Garry's party was just leaving the summit to descend and they exchanged greetings as they passed each other.

At the stone shelter (roofless!) two lovely ladies took photos of them and so they reciprocated for them. Their descent was due south east to cross Foel Gron and Foel Goch, reaching the excellent Snowdon Ranger Path, leading them northwards down the Maesgwm valley and into Llanberis.

A great day, finished off with a drink in the pub and a chat with locals. Ten miles and 2,800 feet of ascent, all in sunshine with very little wind.

Steph’s group left the coach en route for Dolbadarn Castle. Here they experienced great views over both Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn. Onwards past the building work of the slate museum, they had lunch outside the Quarry Hospital with great views over Llanberis. The route continued through the forest past a very picturesque bridge and waterfall. Unfortunately the route further on was closed on the minor road north of the lake near Fachwen. The diverted path took them across boggy open moorland which was hard going underfoot, whilst adding both height and distance to the walk. Luckily they had plenty of time and arrived back in Llanberis about 4pm. The day ended with a visit to the newly renovated 'Pete's Eats' for a welcome warm drink. Total distance 8.5 miles and 1,500ft of ascent.

With clear skies Garry’s group set off through Llanberis straight to Moel Eilio, bumping into Pauls group on the road out of town, who turned right whilst Garry’s group went straight on towards the base. Taking on the lesser used north east ridge to ascend, the initial climb was steep and muddy in places, but afterwards a more gradual climb all the way to the top. With amazing 360° views including most of the Welsh 3000s, this is a hill to get to the top of on a clear day. They stopped for lunch in the wind shelter where Paul’s group once again met up with them, before descending the north ridge on the more well-worn route to head to Carn Du and its quarried sides. It was on Carn Du where Garry lost one of his hiking pole baskets to the mud, grass or heather. A quick search couldn't find it so they headed back towards Llanberis.

Passing the bottom of Moel Eilio they once again met up with Paul’s group where, because it was still early, they decided to join them and they all made for the Llanberis waterfalls. Heading towards the waterfalls, the path according to the maps went up into a treehouse and back down the other side!! However they stayed in the next-door field rather than intrude on that. With a small scramble down to get to the top viewpoint of the waterfalls, not everyone descended as it was slightly tricky and damp, but the volume of water coming down the waterfalls was immense. They then headed for the lower viewpoint. After visiting the waterfalls Paul’s group headed back to the coach minus Glynn who joined Garry for the trip to the castle. The castle is a single tower which you can climb almost to the top of, and is worth the small diversion to it. Finally they headed back to the coach and a drink at the Heights. A slightly longer walk of 9.5 miles and 2,300ft accomplished.

Thanks as ever to the leaders - Steph, Geoff, Garry, Keith, Paul C, Stu & Gareth - for putting together some tremendous walks that did justice to the conditions. And for getting everyone safely back.

And to the many photographers who took some amazing, and at times breathtaking, photographs and videos. A record number of photos in fact (thanks largely to Nancy)!!! Your photos really do demonstrate what fell walking with this club is all about. So thanks to Steph, Geoff, Darren, Nancy, Laura, Monika, Garry, Jason, Ian F, Neil O, Howie, Claire D, Pam B, Pam T, Stu & John L.

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's extended ridge walk video.

Click HERE to see Darren's shorter video of the full walk.

Next Walks: 

Sunday 25^th October 2026 – Glenridding via Kirkstone

5.00 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 to Windermere, A592 over the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Burton services. 

Sunday 8^th November 2026 - Limefitt Park

5.00 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 to Windermere, A592 to Troutbeck. Park in the entrance to Limefitt Park. Morning coffee stop at Burton services. 

Sunday 22^nd November 2026 - Staveley

5.00 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 to Staveley. Park in Staveley.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.