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  | 19 August 2012 14:35 |
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| River Model  Location United Kingdom Cambridgeshire Cambridge | Hi All, So next weekend, if its nice, my boyfriend has decided it would be a good idea for us to go and climb Snowdon. Now I have never climbed any sort of mountain (hills of any height are absent in Sussex and Norfolk!). He is a climbing instructor and is in the RAF, so is physically very fit. However, I just have a fast metabolism and (shamefully!) don't do much exercise. I do a bit of Yoga at home and take the dogs out for walks. Im worried Im going to get 5 minutes up and then want a time out! lol. My question is: Has anyone climbed Snowdon, and how do you rate it for a beginner? We'll be with his work friend and his girlfriend (who is one of those annoyingly stunning gym-bunnies...which makes the need to not embarress myself even greater!) Also, what do I wear? He originally wanted me to do Crib Goch with him but theres NO WAY im jumping in that much at the deep end!  |
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| "I do this because Im having fun. The minute I stop having fun, I'll just walk away"- Heath Ledger | ||
19 August 2012 14:41 |
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| flashman Photographer This member has been suspended | There is a footpath right to the summit which is fairly easy and you can catch the train back down  Did at Easter and takes a couple of hours. The local 'Taffs' on here will tell you about the 'other' routes up the side  |
| 19 August 2012 14:44 |
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| otteypm Photographer  Location United Kingdom Staffordshire | Entirely depends which route you go up, Snowdon has everything from a nice gentle walk to a narrow ridge walk with steep falls either side.... I like the miners or the pyg track for scenic walks that aren't too strenuous with only a little bit of scrambling... | |
| Video Shizzle https://vimeo.com/user2367653/videos | ||
| 19 August 2012 14:54 |
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| smooth_image Photographer  Location United Kingdom South Yorkshire Doncaster | Its about 6 hours to the top and back if you have never done it before, however make sure you have a bath run full of radox for when you get back, as you will ache like heck and will be stiff as a board for a few days afterwards, and its harder coming down than it is going up strangely enough ! However if the weather is fair, I would suggest starting behind the mountain train station and walking up and taking the train down to enjoy what you have just conquered ! Good Luck  Graham |
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| 'You hold onto your tongue, and I will hold onto my patience...' | ||
 | 19 August 2012 15:20 |
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| Biggles485 Photographer  Location United Kingdom Hampshire Fareham | Hi River. I have an Expedition Leaders Certificate both Summer and Winter gained whilst in the RAF, plus Alpine experience with a lot of experience of Wales. Snowdon wouldn't be my first choice with a beginner, however, knowing the training your bf has been through and the fact he will have a good idea as to your ability and mental attitude then it is do-able, just hope the weather is good for you. Please be honest with your bf, if the going gets really tough, be open and honest and tell him as much, the distance you go up will be the same on the way down, however you use different muscles so don't think it gets easier coming down it doesn't. Good luck hope you get the bug to do more. Stay safe! Paul  |
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| When going through Hell don't stop! | ||
| 19 August 2012 16:08 |
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| pinkbuildingphotography Photographer  Location United Kingdom Tayside | Good shoes and if you have them and take waterproofs. | |
| Riding on the Gotterdammerung. Down and down she goes. Where she stops no one knows. | ||
19 August 2012 16:17 |
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| mgphotomedia Photographer | I think you're right to be cautious. I've climbed Snowdon, as well as most of the surrounding hills, several times - albeit when I was much younger. Every time involved an incident of some kind or other. Assisting people with sprains more than once. I took a girlfriend on one occasion and whilst she got to the top (via Crib Goch) ok she completely ran out of steam and stopped dead about a third of the way down. Fortunately I had a full pack of gear with me so we were able to pitch camp, eat and sleep. However, getting down the rest of the way wasn't any easier due to muscle and joint pain. It took her several days to recover properly. |
 | 19 August 2012 17:30 |
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| stevephot Photographer  Location United Kingdom North Yorkshire York | I took my now 11 year old up there when he was just 10 last summer. (The easy route by the railway track) We did it in just under 7 hours. I would though recommend ankle boots (not trainers), its certainly not one for trainers and I cringe every time i see people in trainers - bloody fools!!! |
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| Dont blame me..i voted for the other lot :) | ||
| 19 August 2012 17:43 |
| For_Arts_Sake Photographer Location United Kingdom Somerset | It's not a gentle stroll, whichever route you go up, and you need to be prepared - proper boots, waterproofs and warm clothing as the weather can turn quite quickly. You have to think of what might go wrong - if you get a bad sprain you might be stuck until you are rescued and that could take time during which you would get chilled. Not trying to put you off, but it's something to take seriously. Last time I went up, we started back down in heavy rain and with a strong, bitterly cold wind, yet there were people dragging kids up in T-shirts, flimsy leggings and trainers. The thing to remember is that every year people die on that mountain, even with the RAF's Search and Rescue headquarters a few miles away on Anglesey. That said, if you do go it's an achievement and make the most of it! |
| 19 August 2012 18:00 |
| Imagery Photographer Location United Kingdom North Yorkshire | Always go prepared for any outdoor trip.Never under estimate any hill and be prepared for anything going wrong. That said Snowdon is actually relatively easy if you are taking one of the "tourist" paths. You may find it to be be hard work, but you do not have to be a super fit athelete at all to get to the top of snowdon.You may find it hard at first but keep going and you will most likely settle into your own pace, as long as you go with the mind set you are going to the top.. you will get there. Assuming your BF is sorting maps and other esentails (he sounds like he is more than qualified to keep you safe) you personally will need: Walking boots- a must really Removable layers of clothing- including a waterproof outer that can easily be removed and carried, something warm too you will be amazed how much colder it can be at the top. Water - essential, plus a cereal/energy bar or two to keep nibbling on. Lastly ENJOY you will find it great fun and dont forget to look at the amazing scenary as you go up and down. |
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