Originally scheduled for last year, we finally managed our planned return to the excellent Bryn Hafod hut in the beautiful Cym Cywarch valley. We'd hoped to climb on the Cywarch crags, perhaps even managing an ascent of Doom from which we retreated on our last visit due to wet rock. But heavy rain over the previous couple of days ruled that out, so on Saturday, 6 of us drove west to Cadair Idris for a climb or scramble (depending on conditions) on the Cyfrwy Arete.
The cloud was low as we approached, but there was a team high up on the crag and the rock was dry, so we decided to stick with Plan A, which was Table Direct (VDiff) followed by the arete itself (Diff). Reduced to 5 courtesy of Karl's dodgy knee we climbed as a 2 and a 3, Carmen and I going first.
The VDiff seemed easier than the Diff that followed but the climbing was good throughout. The cloud lifted and the sun came out, with some good views of the crowds on the tourist path, but we met just one other pair on the crag.
After sitting in the sun for a while, we decided to head for the summit. From there we walked out to the subsidiary top of Mynydd Moel and back, hoping to bump into the others on the return. Of course the clouds dropped as we approached the descent path so we headed down the killer screes and back via Fox's Path to the car park, where we met the others picking blackberries.
Meanwhile Pete and Aoife went for a walk in the Arans above the hut – misty on the tops but stayed dry and they almost had the hills to themselves. And Ann and Pete went mountain biking round Lake Vyrnwy – I don't have details but tea shops were probably involved!
The traditional over-eating duly followed with a chunky soup from Pete E, Mexican tortillas from Pete B, and a rhubarb and newly-foraged blackberry cake from Pete W.
The next day the same 6 headed for Barmouth Slabs for a spot more climbing, but without the long walk in. The rain started as we parked the cars. Light at first, it stayed light until we'd decided to climb anyway and were almost at the top of the first routes. It then became heavier, but most of us decided to keep climbing anyway and managed another route in the pouring rain (fine leads by Carmen and Rob) before running away. Not quite what we'd hoped for but fun in a type 2 sort of way! A nice crag, if polished, one to return to in better weather sometime.
Pete and Aoife went for a very wet run along the Mawddach trail from Barmouth towards Dolgellau. The sun came out so they went to the beach and Pete had a swim in the sea before the rain returned so determined to enjoy their 'day at the seaside' they bought chips and then went to the amusements!
All in all, another excellent meet. And we still need to return to the hut so we can manage an ascent of Doom!
Some more photos here