Snowdonia

We have some great winter conditions at the momment in Snowdonia.

So we've been out making the most it.

We got some great winter routes done on the Glyders and Cwm Idwal.

The snow is still a little soft in the gullies but fingers crossed we get a hard frost tonight and it's back out tommorrow for more fun and games.

Some of the team who are coming on our Toubkal Winter Climb in January are out on the hill tomorrow getting some training in.

Were off to Scotland over Christmas and New Year, Our plan is to start off on the West Coast then were heading East then finishing on the Isle of Skye should be a blast.

Kilimanjro

What an amazing two trips we had on Kilimanjaro.
Our first trip was with Help for Hero's with 5 founded soldiers which had loads of press coverage, I even made it onto GMTV so I'm now famous.
The lads were amazing all 5 made it to the summit and we only had 2 members out of the whole team not summit due to altitude sickness.
We had some tough weather over the 7 day climb plenty of rain and snow but thankfully on summit night we had good weather for the climb but unfortunately the summit was pretty much a white out.

The lads were a great inspiration and real hero's never was anything to much of a problem for them and we had some great laughs along the way.
The was even a Guinness World record broken for the first ascent of Kilimanjaro on crouches.
I must say I think the descent on the buggy deserved a world record for the first Tanzanian Bob sledge Team. Check out the video for yourself.

After 24hrs in Moshi just enough time to recharge the batteries.

A new team of climbers arrived and we were off to the summit once again this time we were doing a 6 day climb so less time to acclimatise.

The new team of climbers were keen a mustard and kept up great spirits as once again we had rain, snow and thankfully the last 2 days we had sunshine just enough time dry out our kit before summit night.

Summit night is always a tough night no matter how times you climb Kili and the feeling of triumph is always there.

19 out of 21 summited which is great credit to the group who supported each other the whole way.

Once back down in Moshi we hit the bar then showers and then back to the bar for a great night out Moshi.

They were two incredible trips both fantastic groups and it was great to back out in Tanzania.

Can't wait for next year now.

Kili Time

Well it's that time of year again when we head of to Tanzania and heady height's of Kilimanjaro.

Were going to be assisting with the Help For Hero's Kilimanjaro Climb, the team of 18 climbers consist of wounded soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq plus a film crew and journalist from the Sun newspaper.

So you can keep updated on the climb Via the Sun news paper or our facebook blog.

Once down from Kilimanjaro I will just enough time for a quick rest before heading straight back up the following day.

There a huge drought in East Africa at the moment so water is in short supply which is going to add the the already tough challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro.

Our next planned overseas trip in January will be Mt Toubkal in Morocco and place's are filling up quickly, last year we had some great winter conditions with plenty of snow on the mountain and clear skies.

Right then best go and back.

Snowdon Climb

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Snowdon climb on Saturday and raising some very much needed funds for the local scout hut which will now help towards some very much needed work.

We had perfect weather the sun was shinning and not a cloud in the sky.

The group chose to climb up Watkin Path which has the lowest starting point on any Snowdon climb then the route slowing climbs past the old copper mines and Gladstone Rock before finally climbing up the scree to the Summit and finally descending down the PYG track.

While everyone was enjoying Snowdonia I was enjoying the Lake District helping out on 24 Peaks challenge which involved climbing 24 Peaks over 2400ft in 24hrs.

It's a very tough challenge thankfully we had glorious weather and good visibility which helped us a great deal to complete the challenge.

We took 2 days to complete the challenge but completed it in under 24hrs walking.

There was some very tough climbs but we had fantastic views over the Lakes which made all hard work worth it.

It's now time to start concentrating on training for Kilimanjaro in October,

Wet & Windy

It's been a fun August with us doing the 3 Peaks 24hr challenge in a mix of conditions on the first challenge we had perfect weather with great views from all the summits the sun was even out to greet on Ben Nevis.

Then on the second challenge we had it really tough with strongwinds and driving rain which made it really tough going but everyone completed the challenge.

We also had a Snowdon weekend starting off with a Scramble up Tryfan

North Ridge which always great fun again the conditions were a little gusty to say the least.
The next day our route was the Snowdon HorseShoe but typical of this summer the weather conditions

were not on our side as it was a little like monsoon season and we were made to take another route.

It must have been one of the wettest day i've ever had on Snowdon, we were

like drowned rats when we finllay reached the summit, thankfully the cafe was open for a hot brew before heading back down compltety soaked must adimit it was a tough old day.

We have another Snowdon training weekend this week and the conditions are looking good.

Then it's time to look forward to our winter program with Toubkal looking very busy this year, lets hope we have a good winter like last year.

July

July has been and gone we've been making the most of the summer day light hours even if the sun has been in hiding.

We helped out on a Snowdon training weekend early in July, everyone at the weekend was in training for there charity challenges.

We climbed the Glyders on Saturday and then Snowdon on Sunday, we had some rough weather on Saturday but we were rewarded with some sunshine and great views from Snowdon Summit.
Everyone swapped a few fund raising idea's and few extra tips for there big challenge ahead.

It was also great to meet some of the team who i will be climbing Kilimanjaro with for Help For Hero's in October.

Also in July we had another 15 Peaks Challenge, once again the first day was spent in very poor visibility and much of the day was spent navigating our way over the Carneddau in thick mist.

Day 2 started off on the challenging north ridge of Tryfan and everyone was buzzing when we finally made it to the Summit, it was then onto the Glyders and the Canterliever Rock, some members then decided to call it day while the others raced on up Y Garn and Elidir Fawr to finish what was a very long day.
Day 3 we had perfect weather for the Snowdon Horseshoe, starting off nice and early we made our way over Crib Coch which is always a bit of a challenge then the weather closed in for a short while and we finally made to Snowdon Summit our final 15 Peaks Summit for late lunch.
Everyone was still feeling strong so we decided to complete the Snowdon Horseshoe.
We finally made it back to Pen Y Pass well and truly worn out just in time for beer o clock.

Disney Climb Snowdon

Congratulations to all the Disney who climbed Snowdon raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

After a long coach journey up from London everyone finally arrived in Snowdonia late Friday evening after dinner it was time for a quick briefing then straight to the pub for a night cap.

Everyone woke Saturday morning to glorious sunshine, looking forward to the day ahead we all got our kit together ready to set off for Snowdon, Then out of nowhere two very special guests arrived.

It was Mikey Mouse and Goofy they had come to see everyone off on there Snowdon Challenge.

Mikey, Goofy and all the climbers jumped on board the bus for Snowdon stopping on route for a few photo's with our very special friends.

Mikey & Goofy then had to head back home and we started out on our Snowdon Challenge.

Our ascent route up Snowdon was on one of the less used routes but also the longest and hardest which kept us away from all the crowds.

Once we had climbed onto the South Ridge which was going to lead us all the way to the summit we were rewarded with stunning 360 views of Snowdonia.

After a very relaxed lunch stop we made our last climb to the Summit, we then finally made our way back down the PYG Track and to our waiting bus at Pen Y Pass feeling pretty worn out and a little sun burnt.

After dinner it was time for a few celebration drinks to toast the success of the climb and the huge amount of money raised for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

15 Peaks

We have just completed our first Welsh 15 peaks of the season and we experienced every possible type of weather you could have in Snowdonia.

Friday on the Carrneddau was spent mainly in thick hill fog,it was a long hard day but we were rewarded with the odd clearing for our efforts.

Saturday we started on Tryfan the conditions started off pretty good then slowly got worse as the day went on, once on the Glyders we had 60mph + winds hail which really hurt and poor visibility, but our spirits were not being damped even if our kit was.

Next up was Y Garn and by now the fog had cleared and we had the feeling of success in our hearts, but it wasn't to be the wind got even stronger so we had to desend into the Llanberberis pass and head for Pete's eats for a huge mug of tea and chocolate cake Yum Yum.

Sunday we headed up the Watkin Path as the forecast wasn't on our side for doing Crib Coch.

Again we started in light rain which became heavy rain and then finally snow, Yea in May !

Once on the Summit of Snowdon the cloud lifted and we had it all to ourselves. Happy Days.

We then descended down the south ridge and more tea and cake was eaten.

The following weekend we had glorious sunshine for our Snowdon Weekend.

Starting of at the base of Tryfan we climbed the North Ridge, reaching Tryfan summit is always a great sense of achievement, we then traveresed the Glyders all in perfect sunshine.

Sunday we took the South Ridge up Snowdon and returned down the Miners track all feeling pretty worn out and sunburnt.

China

We have just completed an 8 day trek on the Great Wall.
The weather has been every thing from sunshine and 26 to freezing cold with heavy rain.
The food has been great apart from a few dodgy meals, I'm now becoming hooked on dumplings.
Everyone completed the trek and were now in Beijing and heading out tonight to check out the Beijing night life.

The next group arrive in tomorrow then I'm off again to trek the Wall this time a slightly different route which take us to the more remote parts staying in some small farming communities.
Should be great fun if the weather is kind.

Snowdon Weekend

We have just completed our first Snowdon Weekend of 2009 and thankfully the weather was pretty kind.

Saturday on the Glyders was a little windy and the visibility was poor at times but we made it up Glyder Fawr in time for lunch (tea & welsh cakes), then it was onto Glyder Fach and the Cantilever stone before dropping down to Llyn Bochlwyd and finally back to base for more tea and cakes.

It was then time for a few well earnt beers in the evening after dinner.

Sunday the weather was much kinder and we had perfect conditions for our ascent of Snowdon, the last 100mts to the summit proved to be a bit of a challenge with there still being snow and ice on the path but we made finally to the summit for lunch.

After a good lunch we slowly made our way back down to Pen Y Pass Via the Miners Track enjoying the sunshine and views on route.

Jebel Toubkal

We have just completed our first winter ascent of jebel Toubkal 4187mts the highest mountain in North Africa. With record levels of snow fall on the High Atlas this year we had perfect winter conditions.

Starting from the small berber village of Imlil passing through walnut and cherry orchids, we soon hit the snow line at 1900mts. After 6hrs trekking up the stunning valley we finally made it to our base camp in Neltner at 3207mts.

An early start the following morning saw us start our final ascent of Toubkal, there had been heavy snow over night and it was knee deep at times so the going was pretty tuff, but everyone made good time and finally summited after 4hrs and were rewarded with breath taking views over the High Atlas.

We then descended back down to base camp for a much needed lunched and finally back down to Imlil exhausted but very happy.

We then spent the next day in Marrakesh before heading home.

Sahara

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 100km Sahara Trek.

With out trusty ships of the desert loaded up we set off into Sahara.

Day one was a nice easy short day just to get us into the swing of things, we arrived into camp nice and early set up camp and enjoyed our first of many nights under the stars.

The weather soon changed with heavy snow falling in the High Atlas which brings strong winds to the Sahara we were lucky or unlucky enough to experience a full blown sand storm one night which gave the camp a right old beating with tents being blown down.

The wind stopped the day we climbed Chagaga a 300ft sand dune the views from the summit were truly amazing.

Our last couple of days were spent crossing a huge salt flats were me managed to cover some big distances.

After 7 days of sand and stars we were finally back at our hotel for a much needed shower and cold beer.

Snowdonia

What a week it has been. It's been fantastic having such great winter conditions in Snowdonia. This blog is going to be a bit short I just thought I would put a few photo's up, i'm guessing they won't do any justice to how stunning it's been in Snowdonia.

Weve done a few ice routes in Cwm Idwal and the LLanberis Pass and some great winter gullies, We camped out to be reward with a stunning full moon and clear skies, its been an action packed week.

Fingers crossed for more good winter weather.
P.s. Check out the Ice climber on the bottom picture.

Welsh ice climbing

Who ever said winters are dull.

This recent cold weather is giving us some fantastic winter conditions in Snowdonia, with ice climbing routes now coming into good condition it was time for me to do my first Welsh ice route we head for Twll Du (Devils Kitchen).

Once in Cwm Idwal we chose our route had a quick brew then began our climb, i was so excited to be finally ice climbing in Snowdonia.

The route started off fairly easy so we just picked our way up, after 200mts we roped up as the next section was a grade 2 this section of the climb was awsome with my calves burning and heart pumping and the back drop into the Cwm was incredible.

After 3 pitches we put the rope away as we entered a gully then picked our way up finally topping out 3hrs later had a quick brew then i t was time to navigate our way down as the visability was down about 20mts.

All in all it was a fantastic winter day

Tryfan

The Joys of Snowdonia mid week, it's nice and quiet and the hills are pretty much empty.

Just been for a quick Scramble up Tryfan we met at Llyn Ogwen at 7.30am had a quick coffee then set off on what i would say is one of my favourite mountains in Snowdonia. Our Route of choice was the North Ridge, it was a bit windy and Visibility was quite poor above 750mts, Tryfan's North Ridge is a great Scramble as it has something for everyone what ever your experience.

The last of the snow is now disappearing so fingers crossed the forecast is accurate and we get some more good winter conditions soon.

Argentina

Reports from Nico our Argentine Guide in Salta the last ascents on Nevado de Cachi have gone really well with over 70% of the group topping out at a massive 6380Mt's.

The weather at times has been a little unpredictable which is nothing new to this part of the world, they had a few days of strong winds, and were even lucky enough to get some snow fall on our last summit day of 2008 which made the summit day sunrise something special.

Thanks to the help of the porters and the trusty mules on all the treks because without there hard work it would have been impossible.

Nevado de Cachi is a real gem of a mountain it's a tough old climb at 6380Mt's but the rewards are worth all the effort and for a trek no more technical than Kilimanjaro with more altitude and a lot more attitude with breathless views over the Andes in more ways than one this mountain just has to be on the tick list.

Plus after a long hard rewarding climb what better than enjoying a bit down hill mountain biking, wine tasting and some great Argentinian Steaks.

Scotland

With what looked like good winter conditions in January Adventurous Ewe headed to Scotland to make the most of the Snow and Ice before it all disappeared.

After a fairly long drive we had made it to Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Our first few days were spent running through a few winter skills such as Ice axe arrest, stopping around in crampons and a bit of navigation work.

We also had time for a bit of a Scramble in Corrie Sneachda which was challenging but great fun.

The weather was fairly kind, but we did have a few days when the wind was nearly blowing you off your feet but it wouldn't feel like the Cairngorms without the wind.

We then decided on a change of scenery and headed south towards Loch Laggan and climbed Corire Choille and explored some great grade 1 & 2 gullies.Conditions were now changing as the wind picked up and the wet weather arrived so we headed to Glencoe with our fingers crossed for good conditions but it wasn't to be all the snow was disappearing fast, we were finally beaten, all feeling pretty tired and sad to be leaving Scotland it was time to head home to Wales and start praying for more winter conditions.