Today was somewhere near the limits of what counts as acceptable conditions for leading a team of students on Tryfan. The near constant drizzle and strong, gusting winds would normally be enough to choose a different objective, but I had a strong, experienced team with me, so we decided to go and have a look…

The sun did actually peak through a few times, but the rain didn’t let up all day.

It was a wet, wet, wet kind of day, but spirits remained high. We stopped several times to check on each other, grab a snack, or put on a fresh (dry) pair of gloves, but it was no day for sitting around having a picnic. Especially as the higher we got, the more furious the winds became.

Trying to get a photo on the summit was tricky, as just standing still was a challenge! I had to shout instructions over the wind and kept a very close eye on the team as they followed my route choice.

After assisting a lost walker and getting him down the difficulties of the start of the south ridge, we crossed the summit and descended fast down the west face, to easier ground and finally some (overdue) lunch in the lee of a boulder. The final stretch back to the bus felt like a bit of a march across the moors. Not one of us had completely dry feet by the time we arrived! Pretty hardcore, but everyone was well pleased with their efforts. We went directly to the cafe at Plas y Brenin for a round of celebratory St David’s Day hot drinks! Well earned in my opinion….