News and Gallery

The party pleased to have reached the summit of Snowdon

15-17 March 2024 - Snowdonia weekend to celebrate the life of Brian Smith

The weekend started with drinks at Hafod y Gwynt.  There were many tales and reminiscences from members of the group as we sat by the fire.  Andrew produced 3 photos from climbing trips and Regina came with a trophy, commissioned by Bill McCann of an ascent of Cioch Direct on Skye in 2013 by Brian, Bill, Kate and Pete.  She also brought a sweatshirt from the Himalayan trip made by club members in 1991 which evoked yet  more memories.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny but soon deteriorated.  Some sensibly went to the climbing wall, others to the Glyders, and several parties went to Llywedd, (the location of the famous bottle with the founders’ names). One intrepid group went to the top and continued up Snowdon to be met with no views and wet driving wind.

A pleasant evening was spent at the Gwynedd Hotel, where the food was delicious and very plentiful!

Sunday morning weather provided little enthusiasm for tree planting, but Harvey forced himself, with an ounce of enthusiasm, to gather up the equipment in the wheelbarrow.  He was then provided with the stable means of walking to the Gorphwysfa  Copse, accompanied by Sarah, Vicki and Rodney.  Of course, once operating at the sharp end, things were not too bad and slowly but surely, nine trees were planted in celebration of Brian and his enthusiasm for Snowdonia.

Click here for Harvey’s account of his tree planting in Snowdonia and the Millennium Copse.

A few attempted the orienteering course, devised by Judith, which took place in the boggy and craggy land behind the hostel.  Unfortunately, the alignment of the map was a bit out, so no controls were found using the MapRun app.  A hardy subset continued regardless and Brian would have been proud of them!

Christine has written a short piece on her reflections of Brian and the club.  Read it here.  

The Scottish Meet 2024  Friday April 26 – May 3rd

The meet took place in lodgings within Mar Lodge, a magnificent mansion owned by National Trust Scotland.  

Despite mixed weather, a lot of good walks were had.  Here are a group of jolly ladies on a Corbett!!

The “catering” was excellent.  Here is the dessert from one evening, courtesy of Becky with sous chefs Chris and Tricia.

ASCENDENTES RESPICERE IUVAT                                                      MOUNTAINEERS LIKE TO LOOK BACK