Snowdonia at TwixTmas - Mountain Bunkhouse 3-nighter
12 people attending
0 places left
A chance to come and join a small group getting out into the mountainous areas of Snowdonia between Christmas and New Year. We'll be staying at a back-to-basics bunkhouse in Bethesda and then getting out for some decent days in the mountains.
Arriving on Monday 27th, we'll settle into the accommodation and decide on activities for the next day. These might well be quite weather dependent. Decent days out in the mountains on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th are likely to start fairly early to make the most of the short daylight hours. These will be finished off with tea and cake back at the bunkhouse where dinner will be served later in the evening. Thursday 30th will see us leaving the bunkhouse with the potential for another day out in the mountains before heading home ready for New Year.
Given the time of year and the location, the hikes will be vigorous, full-day mountain walk – so please be sure of your own fitness and ability before signing up. Lower-level, shorter or easier options will not be available.
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs
Photos: S Hawthorn and R Overton, and used by OutdoorLads with full permission.
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.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- OutdoorLads’ Covid-19 Policy for hostel and BIG events applies to this event. On arrival, we will need to see evidence that you are fully vaccinated, or have registered a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours, or have Covid-19 antibodies. Evidence of this can be obtained via the NHS App in England, with equivalent schemes available in Wales and Scotland. Our full policy and more details can be found here.
What to bring
For the bunkhouse:-
- Bedding is provided.
- You will need to bring your own towels and toiletries
- Any interesting entertainment ideas for the evenings
For the days in the mountains:
Decent equipment ready for days out in the mountains including:
Essentials
- Decent waterproofs (jacket and trousers) with taped seams and a hood
- Decent walking / hiking boots
- A rucksack
- Warm layers
- Hat
- Gloves
- Jumpers
[Walking kit in case it's wintery conditions in the mountains:
Although this is not a winter mountaineering event, IF one of our qualified Winter Mountain Leaders attends then it MIGHT be possible to go out in conditions where the following items are useful if you have them and know how to use them:
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Ski goggles]
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.
Medium Rucksack: typically around 45 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely, ideally one that has ice axe fixings
Waterproof Bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks. Use Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags.
Boots and crampons: make sure your boots and crampons are compatible, mountaineering boots are rated B1-B3 and generally are a match for crampons rated C1-C3 respectively.
Gaiters: recommended for winter conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Ice axe: make sure it’s in good condition
Walking Poles: always optional, some people love them, and some people hate them, give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered, breathable 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). Bring changes of clothing so you can stay warm and dry
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Waterproof Jacket: 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: stay warm
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Goggles: ski goggles are fine, in winter spindrift can blind you when the wind picks up and carries the snow about, and then sunglasses won’t be enough
Sun cream: don’t underestimate the sun’s reflection off any snow
Balaclava or snood: keep your face warm in high winds
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example. Put them somewhere easy to get hold of.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Hot drink: a flask of tea or coffee
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
Bring some food for a buffet on the first night (Monday 27th). Breakfast and evening meals will be provided for the 28th, 29th and morning of 30th. You will need to bring your own lunches for the days out in the mountains.
Two fridges and a well equipped kitchen are available for our use.