The weather forecast for the first meet of the year did not promise great things. Storm Eowyn loomed, bringing the potential for 100 mph winds, peaking on Friday and running into Saturday. As the week progressed, however, a glimmer of hope appeared - a brief weather window on Saturday, before conditions deteriorated again on Sunday. The weekend might not be a total write-off after all!
Eleven intrepid mountaineers braved the elements on Friday, making their way to Indy in Llanfair. The afternoon brought ominous news: the Britannia Bridge was closed, the A55 and local roads were gridlocked, and Bangor was in chaos as everyone attempted to cross the Menai Bridge. Fortunately, by the time most people arrived, all was well and Saturday was shaping up to be a walk in the eye of the storm.
Saturday: A Winter Ascent of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa
Friday night was spent planning for the next day’s adventure. With only the higher peaks of Snowdonia / Eryri retaining snow cover, the group decided on an ascent of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa in winter conditions - an appropriate challenge for the first winter meet of the year. Once the plan was set, the real business of the weekend began: outrageous tales of mountaineering daring-do, relentless banter and the usual rounds of insults, all accompanied by cheese and charcuterie.
Saturday dawned clear and sunny, with the snow-covered peaks of the Snowdon range lighting up the journey to breakfast. Spirits were high after a hearty meal and following the mandatory weather briefing and kit faff, the group set off for the Watkin Path. Apart from the climbing and scrambling approaches, the Watkin Path is arguably the finest route to the summit.
The snow line began at approximately 900m. After a brief recce, the instructors directed the group to don crampons and carry ice axes - a wise decision, as they soon passed several individuals struggling for traction on the steeper sections. The summit itself was bathed in glorious sunshine, though the brisk breeze created a windchill best described as ‘bracing.’ Some queued for the summit marker before re-joining the group for a well-earned lunch in the winter sunshine.
For the descent, the party headed south-west towards Yr Aran before reaching Bwlch Cwm Llan and turning east to rejoin the Watkin Path. Once back at the vehicles, it was time for dinner, more kit faff, and a review of Sunday’s weather forecast - shocking, if anyone was interested. With gale-force winds and torrential rain in store, mountains were off the table, and outdoor climbing was out of the question. The Tafarn Ty Gwyn (other pubs are available) provided the perfect setting for a recovery pint or three as the group settled on Indy climbing wall as the best option for Sunday’s activities. Naturally, more cheese was consumed, alongside the now-customary banter and insults.
Sunday: A Tactical Climbing Retreat
Sunday morning greeted the group with low cloud over the summits, though it did produce a spectacular red sunrise en-route to breakfast. True to the old saying, ‘red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning,’ the forecasted rain and wind soon arrived. Those with longer drives or no interest in climbing wisely opted to hit the road, while the remaining members made their way to Indy for a climbing session before heading home.
A huge thank you to John Lees, our civilian instructor, for his patience, good humour, and expert instruction both on the hill and at the wall. Thanks also to Ian and Meike for the admin and organisation required to get what is essentially a herd of cats all moving in the same direction and achieving. And, of course, thanks to all who attended for making RAFMA’s first meet of 2025 such a fantastic weekend. Here’s hoping the Lake District meet provides both snow cover and reasonable weather!
Neil Innes
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