What a way to end a very busy day of expedition packing, unpacking, sorting, fixing and a million other little things. After finally closing down my laptop lid, I headed over to the Llanberis Pass, via a quick bite to eat with Clare at The Cottage.

Matt and I had previously made plans for a big route with a long walk-in, but as the day wore on it soon began clear that energy levels were unlikely to match ambitions, so we opted for a much more chilled evening in the Pass, climbing some single pitch routes in the sunshine. A much better plan all round.

I actually climbed in short sleeves until we left for the pub around 21:00. Absolutely stunning evening and a fine way to catch up with each others news.

The first route we did was new to me – I’d climbed the next one before, but many years ago so it felt new too! Excellent rock quality and superb holds all the way. Pure enjoyment, with the black rock radiating heat from the days sunshine.

At the top of Craig Ddu, we just hung out and watched the cliffs change colour.

Then one big abseil down got us back to the bags in time to walk back to the car. To celebrate a fine evening, we finished off with a cheeky pint in the Vaynol in Nant Peris. Good times!

Clogwyn Grochan

• (little route to left of main crag – E1)

Craig Ddu

• Sea Panther, E1, (5a)**