With the ‘worst’ of the winds having passed by (strong enough to bring down a huge 100 year old Beech tree in the woods by our stores), things were looking just about acceptable to make an attempt on a planned ascent of Cader Idris.

Unhelpful showers blew through as we made our way up the Pony Path from the north side of the peak, but we made good time and the team of students remained in good spirits despite conditions.

As we reached the short summit ridge, the winds must have doubled in strength, sending us stumbling all over the place! It must have been a constant 40+mph, but then with gusts of 60+. After huddling behind a big boulder, we reviewed plans and changed our approach to traverse around to a more sheltered aspect, as even I was unsure that I’d make it across the windy gap! Thankfully, I was working with Simon, so between us, we could negotiate safe passage to the summit, where the group literally hung on to the trig point for a summit photo!

In the little shelter on the summit, we had some lunch and put on all our spare clothes, including gloves, in preparation of heading ‘back outside’ into the wind. It felt like we were heading out into battle! We reversed our route and half an hour later, at a lower height, the wind had all but gone and the sun even shone through a little! In the forest, the wind had brought down thousands of chestnuts – thinking of Dad, I pocketed a few for roasting up back at The Cottage…

Yesterday in Scotland, there were winds in the mountains, recorded at 135mph! Double what we’d just staggered through! Incredible!