Now that my legs have stopped aching and the bruise on my bum has stopped hurting, I thought it was time to tell you all what climbing Snowdon was like for me and how it was totally the opposite of what I was expecting!
I started the day with such optimism and when asked at 6am was I scared, my reply was "what's there to be scared about!?"
The sun was shining on the drive over but when we arrived at Pen-y-Pass car park (you really have to get up early to get a spot) you could feel the cold and the rain started.
My honest expectations were that it was going to be a long, fairly steep walk how wrong was I?! When we started at near enough the beginning of the climb it was like climbing steps for giants and a lot of them! The climb up was enjoyable and had some great views when the rain and clouds cleared but it was really physical and I was quite out of breath! When we got close to the top after a warning about the wind, we came around the corner and straight into the wind, vertical rain and hale, we were so high up and the wind was so strong I thought I might get blown away, the wind got stronger as we reached the summit and when we made it to the top it took Karen helping me to the very top.
Reading this back so far it sounds like I didn't enjoy the experience but I really had a great time and I think I've found another hobby.
Now for the way down and those bruises, after a very quick lunch stop at the top we began our descent but my legs were getting wobbly and the stream that we found ourselves climbing down meant I ended up falling on my bum not only once but twice hence the bruises! I must say a massive thanks to Colin at this point because if it wasn't for him holding onto me and guiding me down I don't know how I would have got down! After the climb down the stream we walked for 3km along the lake which was beautiful.
I think climbing Snowdon on a clear day will be an amazing experience and something plan to do very soon. Not as soon as Colin who was back up there two days after we finished!
We've just confirmed our accomodation for Scaffel Pike so there's no backing out and there's talk of camping in Scotland for Ben Nevis!
