Wild camping date: day 2

The first thing Neil and I did when we woke up in our wild camping spot was check whether the midges were still out. They were! So we decided to just pack up the tent and start walking. As soon as the midges would have gone, either because they figured it was time to retreat for the day or because we would have reached a place with so much wind they couldn't maintain themselves there, we would sit down for breakfast.

This happened only about 600 m away. The landscape had changed a bit since the day before. We were soon in a cloud, and the views were a bit diminished. But the landscape nearby, unobscured by the fog, was very beautiful, and we enjoyed our breakfast. And then we continued our way.

Breakfast. Pic by Neil

We had decided we would just walk towards the head of the valley, and then up onto the ridge. This would bring us to Foel Fras. From there we could just follow the ridge back down to Abergwyngregyn. 

Initially there was a quite clear path, but this is not very well-trodden terrain, and it faded considerably. For quite some distance higher up, we were basically bushwhacking. In the fog, which at some point due to rain. And the wind picked up when we gained elevation. And my speed dropped when the path got worse. Neil was more gung-ho; he is not as prone to sprains as I am. At some point he stepped into a hole. That scared me! But he was OK. And he told me he was going to be more careful, and then immediately stepped into the next hole. But he was still OK. Just OK with very wet socks and shoes now. 

Making our way to Foel Fras in the mist

We got to the summit of Foel Fras without further problems. Now it would be downhill all the way! And slowly the wind dropped. And the rain stopped. And a bit below Drum, where we had another coffee break in a wind shelter, we stepped out of the cloud. That was nice! We got views again. 

Stepping out of the cloud

We walked back to the car in a very civilised manner. Calm weather, clear paths. And as we were parked by a cafe, we popped in for a drink and a slice of Bara Brith. 

I think it was a successful trip! I am convinced we will do it again. And it wasn’t perfect; I could have done without the midges and the flapping of the tent, and I have been on Foel Fras (and Drum) with better views. But that’s life. I look forward to seeing where we will end up next time!