HILL, DALES AND MOUNTAIN HIKING

17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof    Web page by Bryan Benn

Start/Finish: Near Rhyd Ddu

Highest Point: Summit, m

Distance: circa 13 kms

Weather: Cloud and rain, gales on tops

Vertical altitude gain: circa 700 m

Time: 4 hrs 45 mins

For the third day running I was due to be out walking in Snowdonia. The plan was to walk through Beddgelert Forest and then up Moel Lefn and along the ridge to Moel yr Ogof. And time permitting then onto Moel Hebog.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Beddgelert Forest Beddgelert Forest

We parked next to the Welsh Highland Railway about half way between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu and started on broad forest tracks. But soon left those and headed into the forest relying on my guide's compass and navigation skills!

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued Climbing to Moel Lefn Climbing to Moel Lefn

We didn't spend that long on the soaking wet and boggy forest floor before we encountered what seemed to be the path up to Moel Lefn.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Near Moel Lefn Summit

As we gained height the strong wind and rain became something to be very aware of as we headed over a number of very rocky sections.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Near Moel Lefn Summit

More rocks, more rain and more wind as we got close to the summit of Moel Lefn.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Near summit of Moel Lefn

Close to the summit of Moel Lefn in relative calm. But descending from here not long later over large rocks became quite a problem. In winds that were accelerating up the side of the ridge and hitting us at an estimated 80 mph plus.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Descending from Moel yr Ogof Descending from Moel yr Ogof

Photography became very hard in the very high wind and rain. Not possible again until we got headed down this steep rocky section on the descent from Moel yr Ogof

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof Large Rocks near Moel yr Ogof Large Rocks near Moel yr Ogof

Nearing the bottom of the dip between Moel Orgof and Moel Hebog we passed through this dramatic rock formation. Where a decision was taken to head back to the valley, rather than continue up to Moel Hebog.

Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued
17th November 2008: Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof continued Stream near Beddgelert

Back in the valley the weather was mainly dry and wind free! A total change from the fierce conditions we had enjoyed not that long before on the top of two of the Moels!

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