The Other Moel Eilio

 After the previous year’s cancellation due to pandemic restrictions the club’s annual post-Christmas day out made a welcome return in 2021.  Seven of us met up at Dolgarrog’s Adventure Parc Snowdonia, best known for its artificial surfing lagoon, and booted up before heading out on to the eastern foothills of the Carneddau. 

Seven of us wound our way up lanes and woodland paths to just above the remote pool on the Afon Porth-llwyd before easier walking led to the Coedty reservoir.  We stopped for lunch at the dam after which we followed the track uphill to the foot of the east ridge of Moel Eilio.  The wind was picking up and we worked our way up the slope into the clag to the summit where we only stayed for a few minutes before heading south-east towards flatter ground which was just tantalisingly in sight.  After reaching the fence line some of the more sensible members of the group decided to ascend a little to avoid following the challenging ground that the fence was leading over; their decision was justified as they found a much easier way down. 

We walked along easy tracks that led to, and under, the Llyn Cowlyd pipeline before gingerly making our way down the very steep roads leading to the Conwy valley, made greasy by the damp and decomposing leaf litter. 

The final mile was along the main road to the Adventure Parc where we unburdened our shoulders of rucksacks and feet of boots before indulging in coffees and hot chocolates in the café for a debrief and discussion of forthcoming post COVID-19 adventures.

Remembering an Old Friend

It’s been 10 years since Bill died.  He was the club’s heart and soul and he probably had more influence over the running and direction of the club than any other member.  There is a significant gap in the club that has been left behind; Bill left big shoes to fill.

On the tenth anniversary of Bill's passing I thought that we should do something to honour his memory.  I suggested a walk starting at our hut and heading up Moel Eilio would be appropriate as the hut was a focal point of Bill's life and he had probably walked to the summit of Eilio more times than anyone would care to suggest.

Although the day of the anniversary fell on a Tuesday most of Bill's contemporaries would be retired and it would not be too much of an inconvenience to attend.  Ten of us gathered at the hut in poor weather and a worse forecast so suggestions to amend the itinerary gathered support.  Predicted 50mph winds, poor visibility and heavy rain convinced us to stay low and initially head for Penceunant Isaf just above Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon's Llanberis path.

We went uphill first before traversing Eilio's lower slopes and following the path to the derelict Hebron chapel.  The weather forecast was accurate and we reached the tea rooms to order coffee and bara brith.

Following a leisurely rest we once again donned waterproofs and walked down to the town and then across to Vivian quarry where we remembered some of Bill's stories and the routes he climbed.  We headed into Padarn Country Park, stopping to admire the horns and long fleeces of a flock of feral goats, but not their smell!  At the old quarry hospital we tucked into our packed lunches although when the rain came again we hastily retreated into the old mortuary!  Once the rain had stopped we strolled back to the hut.

Although the weather was not brilliant we managed to reminisce about our times with Bill, recalling some of our favourite stories.  I'm glad that we had made the effort and it was gratifying to know that Bill is much missed but fondly remembered by his friends and club mates.

Foel Goch & Moel Eilio from Padarn Country Park