Even by my usual standards of activity, March 2026 has been a particularly busy one when it comes to climbing mountains. Either leading students, teaching on courses or with Clare and friends, I’ve climbed 25 named mountain summits in Snowdonia so far this month! No wonder I was so tired today and didn’t fancy straying too far from The Cottage (and I cycled 40km a few days back and started the month with an 11km coastal hike!).

Here’s the North Wales mountain tick list so far…

1. Tryfan (917m), via the South Ridge
2. Carnedd y Filiast (821m) (winter ascent)
3. Elidir Fawr (923m)
4. Mynydd Perfedd (812m)
5. Carnedd y Filiast (821m)
6. Cader Idris (893m), via Foxes and Pony Path combo
7. Foel Ganol (536m)
8. Yr Orsedd (559m)
9. Pen Bryn Du (557m)
10. Carnedd y Ddelw (688m)
11. Drum (770m)
12. Allt Wen (255m)
13. Conwy Mountain (247m)
14. Gyrn Wigau (615m)
15. Bera Bach (807m)
16. Craig Fach (609m)
17. Crib Goch (923m)
18. Garnedd Ugain (1065m)
19. Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (1085m)
20. Gyrn Wigau (615m)
21. Drosgl (758m)
22. Berra Bach (807m)
23. Yr Aryg (876m)
24. Carnedd Gwenllian (926m)
25. Foel Grach (976m)

And what variety! I’ve had blue skies, low clouds, full winter conditions, -12°C windchill, torrential rain, gales and breathless summit days. Kit has ranged from t-shirts and sunglasses to needing multiple pairs of mittens and thermal trousers. All in a few weeks in March…

For once, I’m quite glad to have a few days of gentle socializing scheduled in around here!