It’s been another cold and clear day across Snowdonia. We fancied a hike with some new views so headed over to the west side of the national park for a trip up the Nantlle Ridge. It’s often done as a one way trip, but this requires a shuttle back to the start, so we went for a more logistically simple circuit. We didn’t make an early start, but got the best possible parking space right by the start of the path!

Snowdon was looking really good with a little covering of snow on the top. I first climbed the ridge leading back to us with Paul when I was at school.

The route takes you steeply up to the top of the first peak (Y Garn), from where we had some great views.

Then came the steeper scrambling. There is a dramatic drop off one side and some rocky sections to negotiate, but nothing too difficult.

Looking North, we could see Rhoscolyn in the distance, where we’d climbed yesterday.

We went as far as the big Obelisk that marks the top of the next peak, but rather than committing to getting to (and back from!) Cwm Silyn, we retracted our steps to descend a ridge into the forest.

You can just make out the faint path on the left hand skyline.

The plantation had been really knocked about by this winters storms. The path was blocked by multiple trees – some had blown over, but many had snapped off at half height!

Once out the woodland, we had an easy traverse back to the car.

A fine ‘holiday’ day out with what felt like new views. A relaxing evening by the fireside made for a great finish…