BSC25: Pen yr Ole Wen - Scramble (Sat)
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This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2025.
So, the plan for the day is a fairly technical hike with a fair bit of scrambling.
"Scrambling is a mountaineering term for ascending steep terrain using one's hands to assist in holds and balance.[1] It can be described as being between hiking and rock climbing."
With this in mind, the day will be best suited for people with experience of climbing or having done some scrambling events before. A key point is that you'd be steady on your feet and have a good head for heights.
The route, depending on weather conditions (if it's raining, we'll unlikely do this route as the conditions under foot cold become a right mess) would be to ascend pretty steeply up to Pen yr Ole Wen straight from Llyn Ogwen. This is quite a demanding section, and we're straight into it from the get go. Once up on Pen yr Ole Wen, we've got a few options which could include Carnedd Dafydd, potentially another scramble of Crib Lem and we'd likely get back to the cars via Cwm Lloer.
So the crux of it, is that it's likely to be a pretty long day, though we have many options to tailor it once we start off.
Photos provided by OutdoorLads members and used with permission
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, 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: 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 unless otherwise stated
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
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Please be sure to bring decent food supplies for the day. Once we set off from the cars there will be no cafes nor shops to stop in at to buy anything. Please do bring water bottles with you, we may not have ready sources of water throughout the day, and if you do want to refill during the day, please be sure to have some suitable sterilisation method.