BSC2018 Epic Carneddau Day Stomp - Saturday, 8:15am, Meeting Point B
17 people attending
3 places left
Please note the early start. Breakfast is available from 7.30am so come prepared to head off at 8.15am so we have the full day for this.
The Carneddau is the part of the Snowdonia National Park nearest the north coast, and nearest our campsite. It is the largest area of continuous upland south of Scotland and offers a true wilderness experience. Join Jonathan on this full, long day trek accross the Carneddau range, taking in some of its key features and points of interest.
We'll be ascending from near sea level to the peaks of Foel Grach (976m), Carnedd Llewelyn (1064m) and Pen yr Help Du (833m) before descending to walk the length of the Llyn Cowlyd reservoir. Many people miss the beauty of the Carneddau range, temped by the extra 21m height of Snowdon (and the relatively easy walk up from the car park!), but the difference in the two is much more than that short height. Snowdon has it's gorgeous horseshoe vistas but Carnedd Llewelyn has glorious ridge walking, steep ascents and descents and a a different drama to it's landscape but one that's equally impactiful and memorable.
This is a big walk, 9 hours of hiking (excluding breaks) over 34km and a total of 1200m of ascent. We will be away from nearby roads so the opportunities to drop out of the walk as we go round are few, so please only book onto this if you are fit enough and ready for that.
What to bring
This is a big and long walk, most of it is far from roads, so you'll need to be prepared for all weathers regardless of what it's like down in the valley at the campsite when set off.
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or easier still, in a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket and trousers: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch - you can order one in advance (see the main Big Spring Camp event page for details) but bring more than that as we'll need a couple of lunch breaks on this walk!
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along. The 1:25,000 OL17 is the one I'll be using.
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Please bring plenty to eat, we'll be out all day, so you'll need something decent for lunch and for later in the afternoon also, as well as snacks and something for energy on the way round.
Lots of water, at least 2 litres.