Meet report 13-15th February 2026 at the Midland Association of Mountaineers’ hut Glan Dena in the Ogwen Valley. The forecast promised a short respite in this wild, windy and wet winter. A few people braved the rain and had short coastal walks on the way, whilst Peter Baker drove up to Cwm Eigiau with the intention of walking in the Carneddau. The intention was short lived. By late afternoon the skies cleared as promised and views of the high hills began to emerge. Plans were made for the morrow.

On Saturday, Toby Dickinson and Stuart Dix ascended Pen yr Oleu Wen, continuing over Carnedds Dafydd and Llewellyn and Pen yr Helgi Du, descending South to Helyg and home. They kept encountering a group of walkers who were enthusiastically photographing their journey using a variety of techniques (hence the foreshortened portrait of our pair atop Pen yr Oleu Wen).

Peter Baker walked up to beyond the lake into Cwm Llugwy, opted not to go high but behind Craig y Llyn at about 700m. in total solitude, then returning South via the Western end of the leat to the A5.

Steve and Wendy Richards with Nick Crapnell climbed the North Ridge of Tryfan, finding icy conditions with a thin snow covering. They had a great day out but were somewhat surprised by the footwear and gear of some of the others there.

Harvey Lomas took himself off to Cwm Idwal. Anthea Hanson went off to rekindle old memories of Little Tryfan, intending to continue up the Heather Terrace. She missed the entry and carried on up the cwm to Bwlch Tryfan. From there she descended Cwm Bochlwyd and made an attempt on the scramble of Y Gribin, turning back near the top when she considered the icy conditions were a bit risky for a solo climber.

Tim Josephy cycled the old road to Capel Curig, then up and over a bridleway to Dolwyddelan. On the way, having negotiated a dozen pools no more than a foot deep he emulated Doctor Foster, riding into the last puddle right up to his middle. Luckily the electric bike seemed ok but undressing and wringing out wet clothes in the snowy landscape was character building. Nevertheless he continued down to Betws y Coed then up into the Gwydir Forest before returning to Capel and back to the hut.

A party of five, the Smiths, Helen Brewitt, Aurore Sansinena and James Greaves were delivered to Llanlechid near Bethesda. They started over Moel Wnion to Drosgl, where Helen Brewitt discovered she had dropped her phone somewhere on the way up. She returned, making a fruitless search for it. The rest continued, reaching the main Carneddau ridge at Carnedd Uchaf, continuing over Foel Grach, (Michael and Helen had a Valentine’s Day meal of half a cheese sandwich each at the refuge hut there) Carnedds Llewellyn and Dafydd before descending over Pen yr Oleu Wen direct to the hut, arriving after dark. They encountered a trio on the lower slopes, one of whom had a badly sprained ankle. Mountain Rescue having already been called, our team relieved them of their sacks and axes and stored them at Glan Dena awaiting the eventual arrival of the casualties, lending them poles to use as crutches.

With all safely gathered in a convivial evening with plentiful food and conversation was enjoyed in the warm and comfortable confines of Glan Dena, insulated from the deteriorating weather outside.

By Sunday morning it was clear the brief weather window was over. Some went home; the Richards drove to Capel Curig and walked along part of the Slate Trail past Swallow Falls in spate. The enjoyed some brief sunshine and a bowl of soup at Plas y Brenin.

Michael and Helen Smith parked near Aber on the North Coast for a short walk (8km). They were joined by Helen, Aurore, Anthea and nearly by James who didn’t find the start point and walked on his own until finding them in the café later. Tim met friends at the Beacon climbing wall in Caernarfon.

This was a meet blessed with one of the very few fine days so far this year and some good expeditions were completed. Many thanks to the MAM for the use of their first class hut.

Attending:

Peter Baker, Toby Dickinson, Stuart Dix, Helen Brewitt, Aurore Sansinena, Wendy and Steve Richards, Helen and Michael Smith, Nick Crapnell, James Greaves Anthea Hanson, Tim Josephy.