I’ve had a couple of days away with some younger students on a mini-expedition on the south side of Snowdon.

Leaving the Gwynant valley (where I heard the Cuckoo!), we hiked up the first section of the Watkin Path.

Good colour from the bluebells, azaleas and deep river pools.

But generally all rather green and grey as we ascended up and over Cwm Llan.

Explored a few of the tunnels while we were up there. There are some impressive slabs of slate waiting to be climbed!..

The skies cleared as we descended into Rhydd Du to the hostel and the light later that evening was superb.

The sun set below the Nantlle Ridge and we retreated inside to get dinner cooked. No easy feat for 14 hungry people! The hostel was sparse, with no frills, but functional and in a super position.

Wednesday was another dry day. The group hiked off to Beddgelert, but my role was more administration and computer work – based out of a few different locations!

I met the team at the railway station later that afternoon, after a brief nap, which was very much needed after the lads all woke up to start the day at 04:54!!

But that was only just the start of the day! At 17:30 I met with the BMC climbers, on the Great Orme above Llandudno.

I attended a few meeting of the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) each year to keep up to date with various access issues etc, but it’s a good social too. Especially when the meeting starts with a pre-meeting rock climb!

Great to get some climbs in on a crag that is not visited before – and share a rope with some local climbing legends!

After the meeting and making plans to climb tomorrow with Tim and Pat, I eventually made it home around 23:00…

Tram Station Crag, Great Orme:

• The Three Musketeers, 6a**
• D’Artagnan, 6a+*
• Staggering out of the Steam Packet, 7a* (TR)