Intersemester Trip Report

To celebrate the end of the winter exams 20 club members headed to North Wales with the intension to paddle some of the classic, more advanced white water available there.

The excitement of an optimistic weather forecast and a work free weekend led to the majority of the group meeting at 6:30 Friday morning and dashing to Betws-y-Coed.

We were met by glazing sunlight and an abnormally good view of Snowdonia’s many beautiful peaks. Our disappointment was confirmed upon discovering the Llugwy (Swallow falls to Betws-y-Coed) was too low to paddle. We then continued up the valley to the waterfalls at Pont Cyfyng which were paddleable but deemed too short to be worth while.

In desperation to find any stream worth floating a kayak on, we decided to take our boats for a walk up Snowdon to slide down the Cwm Llan. Conditions weren’t perfect and the walk in was strenuous but the slides were a lot of fun. There were a couple of small hiccups; Nathan seal launching onto a rock and denting his kayak and Ric needing to exit his boat after a pin. Mr. Morris was also on hand to jump in if anyone needed rescuing, whilst creatively not getting his clothes wet!

Before descending upon the hut for evening we had a quick inspection of the Aberglaslyn Gorge, a trip to the shop and a quick pint in the local. It was the first time the club had used Imperial’s mountain hut and despite not being the cleanest of places it was adequate and in a stunning location. The fire was lit and a light drinking session commenced. We were then eventually joined by the rest of the party.

The night did not bring any rain and the still air and bright sunlight made for a perfect walking day. After a latish start, the group descended upon Lake Ogwen and we made our way up the light scramble to Glyder Fawr. All but four boring members made it to the summit encountering icy scree slopes and a snowy top. Perhaps crampons and axes would have been advisable but we sought comfort in finding we weren’t the only group without such equipment.

From the summit we also summated Glyder Fach, with further complaints from Josie, and posed for a traditional photo on the cantilever. Our decent was more eventful especially as the light would begin to fade and our navigation skills led us to the wrong side of Tryfan. The sketchy path took us to another ice slope which Josie accidentally treated as a slide, fortunately without serious consequences.

We finished the 7 mile route in time to catch the second half of the rugby in the pub and then went on back to the hut for more drinking, reminiscing and playing. A notable unwanted surprise was the appearance of one of Moore’s bedroom toys!

Yet more clear skies on the last day resulted in no kayaking and a slightly longer lie in. After clearing the hut the group made their way back to Loughborough stopping along the way (occasionally using a wall for assistance) for a walk on the hills or around a shop.

All in all, despite the lack of kayaking the trip was successful in bringing the club together for an exciting weekend in the beautiful Snowdonian Mountains and I hope that next time Wales will deliver the more usual cold and wet weather I’ve come to expect.

Shifty