From London I returned to Ipswich, then Eddie and I set off on a road trip to Wales. We had originally planned to take a motorcycle, but a combination of issues including the weather forced us instead to drive a car. Our destination was Snowdonia National Park, where we spent two nights and climbed the 1085 meter Mount Snowdon. Wales proved to be quite beautiful, very green (which of course also meant very wet), and reminiscent of Ireland.

Eddie

Eddie Bryant standing at the base of Mount Snowdon, in Wales. Behind him is the valley that we followed all the way up to the peak.

Watkin Path, Downward

We followed Watkin path up Snowdon, climbing from 60 meters above sea level to the 1085 meter summit. Most of the path was carefully layered with stone as seen in this photo.

Watkin Path, Upward

Look up the Watkin path, following the Afon Cwm Llan river. Central in the photo you can make out the ruins of an old stone building, probably used in one of the many slate mining operations that were all over the mountain.

Slate Mine Remnants

One of countless stone buildings found all over Snowdon. In the background you can also make out a stone fence used to keep a farmer's sheep on his land. The stone fences were everywhere, built over even the most remote ridge lines.

Fog Line

As we neared the summit, we disappeared into the thick fog that covered the peak all day. It became quite difficult to follow the path, but it was simple enough to just head "up" and know you were going the right way.

Summit

Standing at the 1,085 meter (3,560 foot) summit of Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales and the second tallest mountain in the UK.

Miner's Track

Rather than returning back the way we came, we instead headed in another direction, following the Miner's Track down to the Pen-y-Pass car park.

Wet

Wales is so green because it gets a lot of rain. For example, the eastern side of Snowdon gets an average of at least 180 inches of rain each year. We stayed dry for most of the hike, but during the final five miles hiking from Pen-Y-Pass back to the car we got dumped on.

Returning

We ended our hike by trying to follow a path from Pen-Y-Pass back along the face of Snowdon to our car, but ultimately lost it in the mud brought on by a downpour. It was still a beautiful tromp through some sheep fields. The lake in the distance is Llyn Gwynath.