Late Autumn in the Ogwen Valley
30 people attending
5 places left
Come and explore the glorious Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia just before Autumn turns to Winter! Hiding nestled between the Carneddau and Glyderau ranges, besides the UK's favourite mountain, Tryfan.
We will be staying two nights in the Ogwen Valley, at the YHA's longest standing hostel.
The main activity will be a mountain hike either on the Carneddau range or up the Glyders or Tryfan. This will depend on the group's ability and the weather on the day. Depending on the range of other leaders available, there may be additional easier/more technical events on offer. Equally, if you want a quieter weekend you can take yourself to nearby Bethesda, Betws-y-Coed Bangor, Anglesey or Caernarfon.
For those who don't want a quick get away on Sunday, my current plan is a short walk around the waterfalls of Betws-y-Coed.
As usual there is shared buffet on Friday evening. Please bring something to share, ideally enough for around two people. We love home-made and creative contributions! Breakfast is provided both mornings (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt) and dinner on Saturday evening.
Most beds are bunk beds and bedding is provided. Some rooms are en-suite.
Sorry - this event is not suitable for dogs.
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
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Image credits: YHA Idwal Cottage Photos: © YHA (https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-idwal-cottage) used according to terms; all other photos provided with permission © Mark House.
What to bring
For the hostel:
Food & Drink (see below)
Additional Pillow (Optional)
Ear plugs (Optional)
Towel & Toiletries
Hostel clothes
For the Mountain Hike:
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
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
You will need to bring a contribution to the Friday evening shared buffet (enough for two people, home-made and/or creative goes down a treat!).
You will also need something for lunch on Saturday (a packed lunch if coming on the mountain hike).
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday is provided. Dinner on Saturday evening is provided too (I'll let you know what this will be closer to the event).
Bring your own drinks should you want anything other than tea & coffee that is provided.