In which I ramble about snow and walking

Yes, it was Wales.  Snowdonia to be precise.  In fact the photo in the previous post was of Sam and Josie in front of Yr Wyddffa, or Mt Snowdon as it is also known.

We stayed in a cottage we have rented before, in Beddgelert.  The cottage is in a beautiful location at any time of year, but just take a look at the views from the balcony on Saturday morning.

Toby was meant to be ice climbing on Saturday but a combination of equipment and transportation problems meant he wasn't able to.  Bad news for him, but good news for the family as it meant we did the walk we had planned for Sunday on Saturday, when the weather was at its best.

No, Tracy, we didn't tackle Snowdon itself - although I did catch Toby staring longingly up at Crib Goch.  We didn't have any ice axes with us, only two small(ish) children, so stuck to gentler terrain, though still spectacular.

This is part of the Ogwen Valley. Wonderful walks in what feels like a really remote setting, yet it is accessible by a 10 minute walk from the road.  We circumnavigated the (frozen) lake while watching other walkers make their way up to the Glyders and Tryfan.

Contrary to appearances in the photo, we didn't take the children out in just fleeces and tracksuit trousers.  Although snowy, the sun was very warm and the valley is sheltered, so they quickly shed most of their outer layers.  In fact it was so warm, we stopped for a picnic by the lake.

In the afternoon we took the children sledding (or maybe sledging?), something they had never done before.

Here's Sam learning that while it's fun to go down, you have to come back up the hill if you want to do it again. 

There was no fresh snowfall on Saturday night, but there was still a fair bit of snow around.  On Sunday we did a small section of the Watkin Path and then back by another trail.  Sam got to practice his map reading for cubs.

 

Despite the 6 hour drive each way it was a fun break.  We're back in London with some colour in our cheeks, wet boots and lots of washing to do.

Comments

[Kira]

Looks like you had a wonderful weekend. It looks so beautiful. I have been up Snowden once, but not in the snow!!

[Donni]

Sigh....sigh................sigh.............snow...........................sigh

[dawn]

Fantastic views, and a great way to escape from stresses of modern living (like playstations and tv!).

You look suitably flushed!
Dawn:)

[Chris]

Oh, it looks like you had a fabulous minibreak! :)

[Pat K]

Dear Sock Sister, what beautiful pictures! A true feast for the eyes for a (not so) old lady stuck in Southern Arizona with no snow at all this winter. (Well, there was a tiny bit that weekend we spent in hospital, but that means it doesn't count.) Thank you for posting, so I can see a part of the world I probably never will see in person. Too bad, that. PS, I posted a picture of the purple sock, just to make the Sockapaloooza update.

[Jill]

I love all that snow - as long as I am on the inside looking out at it.....But your kids are having a marvellous childhood, what memories they'll have.

[Tracy]

I knew it! Don't you just love it there?

[Philippa]

Beautiful! What a treat on a damp grey midweek day.

[Carol]

Gorgeous photos - they bring back memories of an Easter trip I took to Snowdon many years ago and climbing Snowdon in a white out!

[patti]

Wow, how beautiful! I moved away from the snow and that ALMOST makes me miss it! I am glad you guys had a great time.

[Kathleen]

Absolutely stunning pictures!

[RoxyKnits]

Your break looks and sounds fabulous. Apart from the 6 hour drive! We're lucky only being a 30/40 min drive to the toll bridge but we never visit Wales. Will have to soon though, as stepson lives there with his girlfriend now. Wonder if there are any LYSs on the way....

[Fi]

If you are going to put Crib Goch links up, I might revert to giant pictures of moths....