Ogwen Valley Weekend
29 people attending
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This is the YHA's second oldest hostel, and its oldest in Wales. Located just off the A5 in the stunning Ogwen Valley, it is the perfect place to explore the mountains of the northern Snowdonia without having to get back in the car - we literally hit the footpaths right from the front door of the hostel. Tryfan, The Gldyrau, Devil's Kitchen, Pen yr Ole Wen and many more peaks are all within easy reach of this hostel.
The majority of walks available in this location are on moutainous terrain, but depending on leader availability we may also be able to offer something at a lower level. In addition, there is plenty to see and do by car - we ideally placed for checking out the villages, castles and attractions of northern Snowdonia.
On the Sunday there will the option to do a shorter walk and have a pub lunch a short drive away.
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In addition to the walks on offer to all attendees we will also be providing mountain navigation & leadership training with a qualified UK Mountain Leader. This may interest you if you'd like to become an OutdoorLads walk leader, or if you're an existing leader wanting to increase your skills. Places are limited and to book one please sign up here. When the course fills up, please add yourself to the wait list, there will be other courses throughout 2019.
The Ogwen Valley provides the perfect setting for advancing your navigation skills. During this fast-track mountain nav course we will cover: weather, wild walk planning, group leadership and night navigation. We will try to work with you, developing outcomes that will help you lead more fluidly and more confidently - whether you are currently one of our leaders or not, this free course should help give you a firmer grasp on mountain leadership.
Please note that the navigation training is limited to 8 people and it starts at 8pm on Friday night and finishes at 1pm on Sunday (but fear not, we won't be missing any of the social time throughout the weekend, in and around the hostel)
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What to bring
Bedding is provided, but you will need your own towel, and of course clothing, wash kit etc for the weekend.
Walking from this hostel is in the mountains of Snowdonia, so you will need appropriate boots and clothing, bearing in mind that cold and wet weather may well play their part.
Here is our standard "mountain walks" kit list, to get you started:
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
The event cost includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Saturday evening and tea/coffee throughout the weekend.
For Friday night you are asked to bring a contribution to the buffet. Further details will follow from the event leader in due course.
You will need to bring items for your packed lunch on Saturday, plus any other drinks you'd like.