View Full Version : Any hillwalkers out there ?
Hi All, after viewing the rock climbing shoes thread I was just wondering if there were any walkers out there? it just struck me that N Wales has some of the best climbing and walking in the world plus brilliant roads as well. I will be heading over there over the coming months probably staying round Llanberis area so if anyone fancies a day in the hills sometime with a bit of a blast thrown in as well... we could organise something. Im not trying to set myself as a walk leader by the way, but we could probably tackle something like Snowdon, tryfan, etc.. not too technical but a bit of fun. :o
Walking??? Fun??? Oxymoron surely!
Actually if you saw the state I am usually in after a day in the hills I would have to agree with you !:o
thedonal
21-03-07, 04:56 PM
Ooh- I'd love to, but couldn't even afford the petrol to get there... A friend from work is off to Snowdonia for the Easter weekend- I' love to join her on that trip too (for many reasons!!!).
I've not done any walking for months (not literally, like- to the shops and the pub and such!)- keep meaning to but something else has my attention at the moment....!
rictus01
21-03-07, 04:59 PM
my sights are set a little lower than that, knock off the hills and cut the walking down to a single step, and I'll give it a go ;)
Hi All, after viewing the rock climbing shoes thread I was just wondering if there were any walkers out there? it just struck me that N Wales has some of the best climbing and walking in the world plus brilliant roads as well. I will be heading over there over the coming months probably staying round Llanberis area so if anyone fancies a day in the hills sometime with a bit of a blast thrown in as well... we could organise something. Im not trying to set myself as a walk leader by the way, but we could probably tackle something like Snowdon, tryfan, etc.. not too technical but a bit of fun. :o
I'm up for that. Llanberis is a grand total of 15mins ride from my house. I wouldn't recommend riding those roads at that speed unless you know them well though :oops:
Give me a shout as to when, it's been a while since I've been up Snowdon. Not sure when the new summit cafe opens though...
There's some nice hills for walking & views further over too, around Llyn Ogwen on the A5.
chazzyb
21-03-07, 08:09 PM
Just make sure you don't get mugged by one of Brunstrom's brown shirts.
I've driven in Snowdonia many times, but never ridden there (well, not for 30 years). Among many others, I've always fancied riding the road between Beddgelert and Capel Curig. A fine mix of fast stuff and bend after bend.
riktherider
21-03-07, 08:48 PM
souds pretty good. ive been meaning to going for a ride, walk and camp somewhere but none of mymates quite fancy the walking bit!! been a while since i last went to snowdon. done scarfell pike last year which was a good laugh. as long as the bike is on the road when your interested in going then yea, i'd be up for it!! camping as well i hope!! none of this b&b malarky! if your going to do it do it properly!!
I go regularly walking in the summer, NYM, Tha lakes or Dales. Considering the Cheviot challenge this year with some guys from work. 22 mile race really. Quite gruelling ive heard.
Gah, Snowdon's boring. Tryfan however, great ol' pile of rubble that it is, much more interesting.
Mmmm, the BG TO CC run is nice, but carry on back round to Betwys-y-Coed then head back up the Conwy Valley, take the back road over the hill to Pen, bimble along to Llanberis and then head out on the back roads to Harlech (via Dolwydd).
Great chips in Harlech. ;)
Looks like a few of us could be up for a laugh then. Tryfan definitely gets my vote for sheer variety if nothing else, Snowdons great as well but a bit busy at times.late april or early may is best for me but I will go with the flow.
You guys are talking about good roads & scenery.
This is where I commute & know the roads like the back of my hand :D
Beddgelert - Capel Curig (A4086 & A498 ) is a nice road.
K, you'd be talking about going from Betws-y-coed up the A470 into Conwy itself, then up over Synchnant Pass, A55 down to Llandegai services, then couple of hundred yards on the A5, and down Felin Hen Rd, left at the roundabout to drop into Llanberis. Out over Pen-y-pass to join the A498, A4085, branch over to Maentwrog & pickup the A496 to Harlech.
A fair bit of all that I do to avoid boredom of commuting :) But that entire area is where I spend play time (and over on the island, some nice roads there too).
Give me a shout when you guys are going to be in the area :)
And yes, yes I do love where I live :) :D
Luckypants
22-03-07, 09:33 AM
I'd be up for that. Plenty of great roads over my way to. B5105 (Ruthin to Currigydrudion aka N. Wales TT) is on my doorstep. Walking up some of the lesser known and therefore less busy peaks might be a good idea. Like Yr Aran near Bala or the Rhinogs near Dolgellau?
I'd be up for that. Plenty of great roads over my way to. B5105 (Ruthin to Currigydrudion aka N. Wales TT) is on my doorstep. Walking up some of the lesser known and therefore less busy peaks might be a good idea. Like Yr Aran near Bala or the Rhinogs near Dolgellau?
I'll vote for the B5105 as well.
Only time I've ridden it so far I had a rear that needed replacing, so couldn't really open the bike up :(
Must get back out there at some point... Maybe when the sun comes out to play a little more on the way home from work...
K, you'd be talking about going from Betws-y-coed up the A470 into Conwy itself, then up over Synchnant Pass, A55 down to Llandegai services, then couple of hundred yards on the A5, and down Felin Hen Rd, left at the roundabout to drop into Llanberis. Out over Pen-y-pass to join the A498, A4085, branch over to Maentwrog & pickup the A496 to Harlech.
Yeah yeah yeah - road names schmode names.;)
Luckypants
22-03-07, 10:11 AM
I'll vote for the B5105 as well.
Only time I've ridden it so far I had a rear that needed replacing, so couldn't really open the bike up :(
Must get back out there at some point... Maybe when the sun comes out to play a little more on the way home from work...
Rode it the other day for my first trip out with my new suspendies. Denbigh (pick up new chain guard bolts) - Brenig - Cerrigydrudion - Ruthin - Home to watch the Rugby. Was a good day. :mrgreen:
chazzyb
23-03-07, 09:20 AM
Tryfan, hill *walking*? Someone's got a funny sense of humour.
Tryfan, hill *walking*? Someone's got a funny sense of humour.
Shhh, don't tell them that yet!! :lol:
Mike, if it's sunny, expext me to be giving the TT run some stick at the end of the month, has to be done, must find roads to test the new exhaust. It's the law!
thedonal
23-03-07, 07:35 PM
I'd like to give Tryfan a go at some point- thought of doing it on the Snowdon weekend last May, but lack of experience and the worst weather ever (had 4 weeks of sunshine before and the leave/B&B was already booked) means we just made it up Snowdon. Literally just- lost our route in the clouds and ended up on the steep scree slopes, rather than the easier scree at the top of the Watkin path (ie we went right, instead of staying left- couldn't see more than 10m ahead..!). Was a scary, but VERY rewarding experience. Took it easy and headed down to Llanberris on the way back...
We were lucky to have the break in the weather that we had- the wind was 70mph plus over the peaks for most of the weekend.
i've just signed up and i'm impressed that you lot are up for more than just a blast:p I use to walk a lot with a bit of climbing involved. had to stop as i don't really have a body that allows me to tuck into rock faces:smt022 All my bike mates think excercise is a shafty one in the shower each morning;) you lot are a breath of fresh air:D
i've just signed up and i'm impressed that you lot are up for more than just a blast:p I use to walk a lot with a bit of climbing involved. had to stop as i don't really have a body that allows me to tuck into rock faces:smt022 All my bike mates think excercise is a shafty one in the shower each morning;) you lot are a breath of fresh air:D
You're welcome.
But living where I live (Snowdonia), you'd be insane not to appreciate everything that is naturally around you :)
Welcome to the site btw ;)
Theres a bit more interest from people than I anticipated, so does anyone have any sugestions on what we could do ? Obviously we can only do so much .I was thinking of stopping at pen y pass youth hostel or a b&b in Llanberis run down sat morn have a bimble around Tryfan, snowdon go for a curry and a few pints or something similar saturday night and maybe have a rideout sun morning before we all head for home. Its only an idea and not a sugestion for an itinerary or anything so dont think I,m trying to run it or something.
Wadda ya think guys and gals ?
Theres a bit more interest from people than I anticipated, so does anyone have any sugestions on what we could do ? Obviously we can only do so much .I was thinking of stopping at pen y pass youth hostel or a b&b in Llanberis run down sat morn have a bimble around Tryfan, snowdon go for a curry and a few pints or something similar saturday night and maybe have a rideout sun morning before we all head for home. Its only an idea and not a sugestion for an itinerary or anything so dont think I,m trying to run it or something.
Wadda ya think guys and gals ?
I've actually just been for a bimble in that area this morn.
Personally, I'll be kipping at home :D But for now, lets assume folks stay Llanberis area. Depends what you're after. There's a couple of YHA's, a couple of decent campsites (if you want the real hillwalking experience :P) & so many B&B's it's unreal.
I don't mind calling off to find out about prices & availablilty & feasability of X amount of bikes (with or without pillions).
Bare in mind though, spring now, B&Bs get booked up blooming quickly.
If the YHA at Pen-y-pass isn't available, I passed about 3-4 of them on the A4085/A498 today, not far from Pen-y-pass, good views, and a little more out of the way. I also passed a couple of bunk houses etc.
I can also put together detailled directions for anyone that needs it.
Back to possible itinerary, if people are staying Llanberis way, makes more sense IMO to go up Snowdon. Staying somewhere on the A5 & Tryfan makes more sense. I doubt many folks will want to walk both on the same weekend & then have to ride home.
Meals? I'm not such a big fan of curries myself, but I'm sure we can find somewhere for everyone's tastes. Theres a few nice places to eat at Bedgellert or Betws-y-coed. Not sure about opening times, but again, I can find out.
Please note, I'm in no way shape or form organising anything, but if folks want more information about anything, let me know :)
My thoughts exactly on the accomodation booking side of things, also I dont think many will want to do Tryfan and Snowdon on the same weekend and ride home. Actually I think tryfan is fantastic and has plenty for everyone but that my viewpoint. I am heading up that way in May cos I think the weather wil be obviously more settled.
My thoughts exactly on the accomodation booking side of things, also I dont think many will want to do Tryfan and Snowdon on the same weekend and ride home. Actually I think tryfan is fantastic and has plenty for everyone but that my viewpoint. I am heading up that way in May cos I think the weather wil be obviously more settled.
If we haven't got a small group thing sorted out by then, drop me a PM. I might be over in the states mid-end May, but not sure yet.
Hmmm...
No thanks. Let me know when your a couple of minutes from the top and I'll ride up and meet you. :thumbsup:
CoolGirl
24-03-07, 05:06 PM
Thanks for the invite Baph - I'll let you know when I get back from the Himalayas ;)
Thanks for the invite Baph - I'll let you know when I get back from the Himalayas ;)
Himalayas ? asian sub continent or Curry house in London ? :p
Thanks for the invite Baph - I'll let you know when I get back from the Himalayas ;)
You have an open invite anyway, never did buy you that coffee in Soho! Have a good time in the Himalayas ;)
Btw folks, pictures from today, the sort of area that's being proposed in this thread, are here (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/baph_2006/24-03-07/).
Cool photos, I want to go now ! must be nice living in an area of oustanding beauty like that..
Cool photos, I want to go now ! must be nice living in an area of oustanding beauty like that..
You're only about an hour & 30 up the road from here.
A few more photos from a previous ride, here (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/baph_2006/11-02-2007/). Mainly A5, a couple from the A470.
EDIT: Even right now, looking out the window at the seeing sun (starting to set, not a proper sunset yet)... WOW.
I don't think I'll ever move out of the area, been here 5years ish now, and I still have that "WOW" thought.
It's a **** when it rains though :(
Nice photo,s, do you think many will have a go then ?
Nice photo,s, do you think many will have a go then ?
No idea. Best way to ask is to start a thread similar to the one for France in Rideouts. Get folks that are interested to put their names forwards. Then out of those that are up for it, arrange details enmasse. Best for all, anyone wants to comprimise for themselves for any reason, no problem.
EDIT: I started such a thread just now, here (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=86128).
CoolGirl
24-03-07, 06:26 PM
Himalayas ? asian sub continent or Curry house in London ? :p
well, you know, technically it's right on the edge of the sub-continent,and heading north 8mm a day. So :p yerself!
I envy you , I looked at going about 3 yrs ago on an Everest base camp trek, £1800 plus spends in Khatmandu. What did I do ? bought a new bl##dy kitchen !:( Anyway i hope you have a great time. :smt041
Snowdonia is a fantastic area. This is our mob there at Easter last year
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Lissasv650/BikersParadiseEaster06022.jpg
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area how about here
http://www.petes-eats.co.uk/
We always go there to eat when in the area, and both the food and accommodation are very reasonable, we think.
Ive eaten there ,didnt realise you could stay there though. Its a possibility. :p
valleyboy
24-03-07, 07:24 PM
Havent been to North Wales for nearly 2 years now :( went up there for a long biking weekend, and I knew a woman up there, so she took me for a walk on the mountains above Tanygrisiau and the old slate quarries up in the hidden valleys up there.... brilliant views up there...
wish I'd taken my camera now.. chances of me walking in them parts on my tod are slim... I did enough hill walking when I was younger.. walked up Snowdon when I was 13... to be in shock to find out theres a train station up there! then after that, Ive probably covered most of the Black Mountains then from my time in Cadets.... and a knee injury on my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition, and another injury to my knees while doing Nijmegen put an end to my long distance and hill walking shennanigans... :(
So how about a short walk with a few beers, good company and a bite to eat at the end ? plus a rideout on sunday? Its open to all lets make a few suggestions of what we fancy
Pete's Eats? I'm in Llanberis almost every weekend, and never knew it existed :lol: Speaking of that, I still owe the fella in the coffee shop £15 (took the kids there, didn't have the money to pay, no worries, drop it in next time you're passing - top man!!). I'll check pete's eats out for price/availability.
Stewie, beers & riding sounds more appealing to me than hill walking tbh :) But I'm still up for a walk.
VB, if you ever want a guide out the way of Tanyrisiau, let me know. Just to wet your appitite a little:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/80/Cwmorthin6293201.jpg
Yeah, have to agree with you on the beer and riding side, I was thinking as well that you,d end up bringing all this extra gear up.:)
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