Crib Goch

The plan had been made on the map. We were set to do an alternative Snowdon Horseshoe, starting and finishing from Llyn Cwellyn, near Rhyd-ddu, on the very opposite side of the mountain to where it's normally tackled. That meant some forest track at the beginning of the run, and a bit of extra climb, before starting the ascent proper on the old mine track up to Bwlch Cwm Llan. We then descended into Cwm Llan itself to pick up the Watkin path where we encountered a lot more people making their way to the summit of the mountain, which should properly be called Yr Wyddfa (I've always tried to pronounce mountain names properly in Welsh, although I'm never entirely sure if I succeed in getting them right).

From Bwlch Ciliau almost everyone continued left up to the summit. But we were now on the route of the Horseshoe and struck right to take the scramble to the top of Y Lliwedd, the point at which the mountain reveals its full magnificence. We took a few moments to eat and drink and soak up the scenery before taking the long descent that was necessary before we could finally start to climb the mountain by its most spectacular ridge.

At the Miner's Track by Llyn Llydaw we struggled to find any running water to refill our water bottles, although we did eventually discover a trickle that was sufficient. We went off-piste to find a little trod that took us steeply to the Pyg Track and the little col which gives access to the ridge up towards Crib Goch.

Forrest has never had a great head for heights but he surprised me with how well he went scrambling up and along the ridge. I couldn't keep up with him. Despite drinking loads, I was dehydrated and cramping up. The legs get into strange positions when scrambling over rock and when you've got steep drops to both sides of you it's not ideal to be losing control of your muscles. I took my time!

I don't think I've ever been on the summit in such warm weather. The crowds were out, many of whom were in support of runners doing the Snowdon Race today, from Llanberis. Our descent line was a different one to the race but just as straightforward, a long and steady run down the Snowdon Ranger track back to the campsite. For the record, it was a shade under 16 miles and 6,000ft of climbing. Forrest went straight into the lake to cool down. I didn't have the energy. I settled for a cold beer.