Snowdon Summit and Luton Carnival

I travelled up on the Friday to the RSPB Glasyn Osprey project which is just north of Porthmadog, an addition to viewing the nesting osprey, the only nest of its kindin Wales, The hide gave a very good view of much of the Snowdon massif and other ranges and I delighted to realise the Summit of Snowdon was clear.

I met the other trekkers at Llamberis youth hostel by the NAS rep and Tall Stories who were to ensure the safety of the trek. Most of the other people walking were mothers who had young children with autism ... for some of them the trek was a real challenge ... I was very impressed with their commitment to the challenge!

Here I can be seen with some of the party as they make their way up the Pyg Track, with the summit behind, The Pyg Track is one of the highest points that paths start to climb the summit. It was sunny and warm but not over hot with wisps of cloud coming in over the summit.

Here is a view looking back as we get to the shoulder of Snowdon. The path is now virtually all made up of all brought in stone to stop erosion and in a number of places there were large sacks of stone that had obviously been dropped by helicopter to do future reinforcement. It reminded me of my happy National Trust volunteer holidays when we had spent the week building similar paths but without the aide of helicopters!! The Pyg track on a Saturday is a continual convoy of people many wearing different t shirts to identify who they were raising money for! There were one group dressed up as Batman and carrying buckets to try and collect funds en route. It was perfect conditions for mountain walking but the numbers on the path made it quite hard work!

Here is the group at the top with the NAS banner. I have been spoilt getting to see Snowdon with views, but it was lovely to share the experience with this group!

As the day progressed the weather got better and better and I was happy to make a slow descent really valuing the views and the delightful weather to be on a mountain!! I was in no rush to return from the mountain and enjoyed a slow descent taking in the views as I went!

We had a celebration meal and all seemed in good shape. The rep Ella from the NAS informed the group as a result of our collective efforts we were likely to raise £10,000 for the charity.

Here is a view at about the half way station where many of us stopped for a welcome cup of tea as we returned down the Lamberis path following the well known rail track.



Little did I know that throughout the week I was going to get views of Snowdon as I camped and explored the beaches, rivers and mountain lakes and towns of Snowdonia meeting various friends over the week. This is a view over Snowdon from a cruise on the Menai Straits to view Puffin Island a week later!

The next post will show some more shots of the week along with the total amount I managed to raise for the National Autistic Society. ... once again thanks to all of you who contributed to this good cause!!

Prior to my visit to Snowdonia I had a weekend back in Luton when I went along to the Caribbean Carnival on Bank Holiday Monday, with some friends and my father. Here are some shots of the colourful procession.