19.5 km, 1,014 m of elevation gain, 60+ mph winds and a questionable number of life decisions!

Hiking Route: - Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls), Y Drosgl, Bera Bach, Yr Aryg, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Fras, Drum, Pen Bryn-du, Yr Orsedd and Foel-ganor.

This adventure started with a fairly simple idea: I wanted to climb a mountain roughly 1,000 metres tall. The original plan was to tackle Foel Fras and Drum, complete the circular route and call it a day. Simple enough, right? Well, as usual, things didn't quite go to plan! After stopping to take a few pictures of the waterfall, I decided to change my route. Rather than sticking to the original plan, I followed some footpaths marked on my phone and made up my own little adventure along the way. Now, having actually walked these so called ‘footpaths', I'm fairly convinced they were more like sheep highways than human walking routes! But I'm glad I went my own way, as I usually do! I got to see some absolutely incredible views and took more pictures than my life is worth!

What most normal people would describe as absolutely horrible weather, I would describe as the perfect conditions for a slightly silly adventure! The temperature was in single digits, and the wind was easily over 60 mph. Personally, I find these ridiculous conditions far more entertaining. Where's the fun in a nice, calm, sunny hike anyway?

Climbing the upper half of Foel Fras was certainly an experience. The wind was so strong that I had to lean sideways just to make progress, bracing myself before every step. I'm fairly certain I climbed most of that section using nothing but my left leg and hip! By the time I reached the summit of Foel Fras, standing upright long enough to take a picture felt like an achievement in itself. I was practically fighting for my life just to stay on my feet! Getting up there had taken nearly everything out of me, and getting back down wasn't much easier. Eventually, I made it to Drum, sitting at around 770 metres, and by this point my energy levels were practically nonexistent. Luckily, I found a circular stone shelter where I could lie down, escape some of the wind and catch my breath. Surely the hard part was over now?

Three more peaks? Why not?!

After Drum, the sensible plan was to make my way back down, going around Pen Bryn-du, Yr Orsedd and Foel-ganol. However, my very tired brain came up with what seemed like a brilliant shortcut: why walk around three mountains when I could just walk straight over them? Looking at my 2D map, it seemed perfectly reasonable. After all, I was already at 770 metres, and the next three peaks were only around 557 m, 559 m and 536 m. How difficult could that possibly be?

Well, as it turns out, a 2D map and the actual 3D world are two VERY different things! Once I reached Pen Bryn-du, I realised what I'd got myself into. I could have turned back about a mile and taken the easier route. But no. Apparently, I had decided that being stubborn was more important than having functioning legs! So onwards I went, tackling all three peaks. This turned out to be both the best and worst decision of the entire hike! The route involved walking along exposed ridges between the peaks, while the wind continued to blast away at what felt like 60+ mph. There I was, completely exhausted, walking sideways against the wind, wondering why on earth I thought this was a good idea. But at the same time, the views were absolutely spectacular, and there was something strangely enjoyable about the whole ridiculous experience! By the end, I was very glad I'd done it, although I can confidently say I have absolutely no intention of doing that circular route again anytime soon... or possibly ever! And I must say, I'm rather glad I did this hike on my own. Had any of my friends come along, I suspect they might have pushed me off the mountain and quite frankly, I wouldn't have blamed them!

The final damage: Time: Around 6 hours Distance: 19.5 km Elevation gain: 1,014 m Wind: 60+ mph Footpaths: Mostly sheep highways Pictures taken: Far too many!

All jokes aside, it was an absolutely brilliant adventure. Exhausting, windy, occasionally questionable, but filled with incredible scenery and memories I won't forget anytime soon. Sometimes the unplanned routes turn out to be the most memorable ones, even if your legs disagree! Would I do it all over again? Absolutely! Would I take the same route? Not a chance! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures from my little mountain adventure!