In the run up to this meet we were informed that the snow conditions across Eryri were the best for years. There had even been snow at the winter warm up meet 2 weeks beforehand!

The Crib Lem Spur on the Carneddau is a grade 2 winter climb. However, the crisp neve which had been present was vanquished in the day or 2 before the meet by an ill-timed Atlantic depression. This left the now so typical snow-free February conditions for the meet itself.

Most of the attendees started from the Pont Abercaseg bridge in Bethesda. This provides an oasis of hassle-free parking in a village which is not renowned for such facility. As we set off the only person missing was Mesh. However, we quickly discovered that he had braved the parking further up in Gerlan, and we were able to meet further up the path.

The walk-in up Cwm Llafar provided a steadily enlarging view of the Crib Lem Spur, which slants up to the right above the imposing drop of Llech Ddu. After a quick snack stop, we climbed strenuously up to the right of the cliffs before crossing back left to the foot of the spur.

As we set off up the scrambling section, it quickly became apparent that one of the nimbler members of the team was Paul D’s dog Lexie. She ascended the rocky steps with only a modicum of aid and – unlike the rest of us – didn’t seem at all bothered by the greasy nature of the rock.

One feature of the route is the “Christmas tree slab”, which is obvious from above but not from below. Crossing it involves confidently (or not) balancing down it’s sloping roof. As the conditions were greasier than a chip shop frying tub, the party let prudence get the better of valour and sidled around the side at this point.     

After the enjoyable scrambling section on the spur, we then emerged onto the summit of Carnedd Dafydd. The plan for the day had left the option of continuing over the other hills to Yr Elen. However, we quickly decided (prompted by calls of “that looks a nice way down”) that we would follow the faster descent down over the Mynydd Du ridge back down to Bethesda.

The descent was enhanced by views of wispy strands of cloud swirling over the hills, which provided a fitting end to what had been a highly enjoyable day meet with a range of existing and prospective new CMC members.

Attendees: Tim Gould; Martin Astley; Phil Moore; Paul Drew (and Lexie); Martin and Fiona Baines; Paul Willis and Karolina Gburczyk; Mark Hooper; Mesh Patel; Jon Clarke