Guto's walk - Moel Eilio - 20th July

Lovely day today, the 23st July, with Moel Eilio and the hills leading to Snowdon bathed in sunshine beneath a clear blue sky. Just as they were on Sunday morning when we arrived at Llanberis. There were fifteen of us at the start of the walk, including folk from Ynys Mon, Bangor, Conwy Valley and Clwydian Groups.

Guto is one of our members suffering knee problems, so he had asked me to lead from Bwlch Maes Gwm. Before then, using some of the fine network of paths above Llanberis he led the way to the bwlch. Dressed very lightly, he was probably glad to leave us and head back home when we reached the bwlch, as by then we had been enveloped in thick mist. With visibility at about ten feet, we did not see the sky again until dropping down to Llanberis hours later. How frustrating, particularly for those who had travelled quite a way.

Anyway, the mist did not stop the chatting, even on the steep climb up Foel Goch. The planned lunch stop was passed by as we headed instead for the shelter on Moel Eilio, the high walls a welcome wind break whether in or outside the shelter. Then the long easy drop to Bwlch y Groes to pick up the old quarrymen’s road leading to Llanberis, and some views once again. The track is so damaged and overgrown it is hard to imagine that we once drove a car up here and over to Waunfawr.

Back on to those upland paths again, for a good view of the waterfalls before most of us joined Guto in the smart new bar at the Royal Victoria Hotel. Despite the disappointing weather it seemed to have been an enjoyable day, and at least we all stayed dry. Better luck next time.

Dave Woods