The Wicklow Hiking & Adventure Group organised a weekend trip to North Wales to climb Snowdon in the Snowdonia National Park, the highest mountain in Ireland and the British Isles, outside Scotland. The climb was on Saturday, June 28th.

Fifteen people in three cars traveled across by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and on to Betws-Y-Coed where we had accommodation arranged in two cottages. Travel and accommodation worked out to be less than €200 per person for the weekend!

It was a fantastic weekend and the weather cooperated very well in general. The mist was down at the top of Snowdon so no panoramic view this time! But it was a great climb and the views below the cloud line were fabulous!

The accommodation was also excellent, very comfortable with great facilities. The five ladies in the smaller cottage got to know the Eagles local pub in Penmachno very well as it was across the ‘street’ from their cottage!

Philip had a few pints too many on the Saturday night and the snoring was mighty! But we did the climb quite quickly and I was so tired I got enough sleep anyway!

Had a nice look-around the great outdoor shops in Betws-Y-Coed on Sunday morning after breakfast before we headed for the ferry. Super place and altogether a great weekend!

Next trip, July 11th, the Magillycuddy Reeks in Co Kerry (to climb Carrantuohill and walk the Magillycuddy Ridge). Can’t wait!