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It was early March, and I had arrived toward the western border of Eryri, for my last trip of winter. It was pleasantly mild for the time of year, 14°C.. my perfect hiking temperature! I had 4 days of food with me, my supplies and home on my back, and a thirst for adventure  Day 1 I was on my way to a wide valley surrounded by low peaks, but first I would have to travel across some boggy ground. Still squelchy everywhere from winter wetness, the going was slow, not helped by a gate that I needed to use being in disrepair, and having big ‘ol rusty nails sticking out of it. After straddling the adjoining fence with my huge rucksack on and nearly getting stuck, I eventually I made it on to a track, which was easy going in parts, and in other parts completely flooded and full of lovely frogs After passing a majestic sheep, perched on top of his hay bales and looking like a king with his loyal subjects surrounding him on the ground below, the track led me into the valley, and across a ford, which I stumbled across and gave my nice dry right foot a refreshing dunk into. And then I reached the lake – Llyn Hesgyn. From my position on the track, the area surrounding the lake looked boggy, so I decided to head up the hill next to me to the east, and find a pitch there for my first night The weather was turning. The temperature was dropping and there was light rain in the air. I put on my rain coat and starting trudging upward, following a sunken drystone wall all the way to my first lil summit. I’m not sure what this one is called; my maps says both ‘Craig yr Hafod’ and ‘Cyfiau’, although I’ve no idea if those are just the names of the westerly and easterly slopes, respectively Up by the 534m summit there was a perfect, grassy lil clearing for my tent. From here I could see the peaks on the other side of the valley, where I’d be headed tomorrow. But for now, I just wanted to pitch my tent, get cosy and have my dinner. This first night was uneventful and dark, the clouds blocking any views of the night sky, and I warmed up my tea – a homecooked chicken curry and settled down for the night Click on 'read more' below to continue the adventure.. GEAR LIST
For my last adventure of winter, I headed out to some low peaks on the eastern border of Eryri. The going was rough in places but I was treated to such beautiful sunsets and my first cold dips of the year 🌿 Love Nature - Always Leave No Trace 💚 Thanks so much for watching 😊 Much love, Claire 🌿🐻 Llyn Celyn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llyn_Celyn Flooding of Capel Celyn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capel_Celyn IG: https://instagram.com/wildbeare FB: https://facebook.com/wildbeare 🌐 https://wildbeare.com ⚠️ I’m not on TikTok, Twitter/X or SnapChat. Please beware of scammers on all platforms. The links above are the *only* real WildBeare social media accounts ⛺ GEAR LIST This gear list contains amazon affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you *I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any of this gear as a gift. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial TENT Tent ‘The One’ – Gossamer Gear Ultra Groundsheet Medium 210x90cm – Gramcounter Gear Mini Binder Clip Swedish Dishcloth for condensation 7g https://amzn.to/3vt3W4E TREKKING POLES Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj SLEEP SYSTEM Sleeping Bag Rab Ascent 900 https://amzn.to/3aHRKiv Sleep Mat Neoair Thermarest Xtherm Max https://amzn.to/3uSjiLt Trekology Aluft Delux Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1 Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk Mountain Equipment Ion Bivi Bag https://amzn.to/3uPjTSK RUCKSACK & PACKING Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk WATER & HYDRATION x2 1L Bottles (Filthy & Crystal) LifeStraw 650ml Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR Boots Peter Storm Caldbeck https://amzn.to/3JtYPFp Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Winter Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l Leggings https://amzn.to/41Rplko Rab Women’s Nexus Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRMTG7 Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe Down puffy, fleece hat & gloves from Decathlon SWIMMING Spare set of undies Grey Microfibre Towel https://amzn.to/43qSZwh SIT MAT Cheapo one https://amzn.to/3yP22u8 COOKING Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L Fire Maple Titanium Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3QjHlip Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot Thin Titanium Wind Shield https://amzn.to/3QoBQPe Lighter & Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN XBands https://amzn.to/43SVFE8 Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq Mini Pocket Knife https://amzn.to/3CNK7Zv Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi Bag for rubbish MED KIT Pain relief Antihistamine Plasters Wound Dressing Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI Alcohol Wipes TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE Tissue Baby wipes Hand sanitiser Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9 Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd Hair band Lip balm Talc Toothpaste Tiny mirror Mini Tweezers Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh Cheap Sunglasses https://amzn.to/3q5wSwR TICK, MOZZIE & MIDGE PREVENTION Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB ELECTRONICS 20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2 Headtorch Petzl Bindi (200 Lumen) https://amzn.to/3wl9DlM Light Goal Zero https://amzn.to/32RI1pR Thermometer https://amzn.to/3MFPSu5 GPS / NAV Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f Map Compass https://amzn.to/3Ynir6t Phone Galaxy A15 https://amzn.to/4edS34p Waterproof Phone Case for A15 https://amzn.to/3Trfizj Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM FILMED WITH.. Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ 1.8m Aux Cable https://amzn.to/3WIVsS9 128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8 Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p Mini Ball Head https://amzn.to/3UYGBlD Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL DRONE: DJI Mavic Mini https://amzn.to/3rvF0SZ + an old iphone to control it – my phone not compatible 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v EDITED WITH.. Editing Program – Davinci Resolve Studio PC Vibox VIII https://amzn.to/3WaIUTG Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg Studio Speakers https://amzn.to/4f2FOIs Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U SOUNDTRACK
Thank you to these amazing artists for producing such beautiful music - it is such an important part of my videos and a joy to help me tell my lil adventure stories.. Set in Stone – Anthony Lazaro Ea – Hans Johnson God Save the Queen – Ian Post Morning Lily – Jean-Miles Carter Skip Little Jimmy – Louis Adrien The Miracles – Lux Inspira A World of Wonder – Narrow Skies Percussion – Young Rich Pixies Let It Enfold You – Johannes Bornlof Mount Kailash – Aks & Lakshmi Ocean of Hope – Anna Dagar In His Prescence – Brock Hewitt Voyager – Vens Adams All music used under license  Day 2 On day 2 I woke kinda groggy, having not been able to fall asleep until the early hours and then being woken by the bright morning sunshine earlier than I would have liked. I spent a slow morning at camp, letting myself adjust and having a leisurely breakfast – this morning it was a pan au chocolat with a peppermint coffee. Today I would head north, and then swing round in a loop toward the hills that I was currently admiring on the opposite side of the valley The day was warm, sunny and windy. I followed the wall back down the hill and continued on the track, branching off to cross some farmland – which usually presents with some kind of access issue. This route was no different, with both fallen trees and felled trees left laying across the right of way. I found a way around and crossed the farmland, hopping from gate to gate, and then an easy country road walk. By lunch time I was back on open access land, and following a stream up the back of the hill that I’d been looking at earlier. I had a lunch stop at 2pm, tuna mayo wraps and chocolate, filled up my bottles at the stream, then pushed on, hoping to get up higher for night 2. As I approached the grassy, 650m summit of Waun Garnedd-y-Filiast, a flock of birds danced across the sky, flying together in unison, up, and then down below the horizon of the hill I pushed on to Carnedd y Filiast (669m), doing plenty more bog-dodging along the way, and then Brottos (626m). With four peaks and 23km already under my belt, I was feeling strong for this one, but the wind was grinding my gears a bit, so I aimed for the westerly side of the hill, looking for shelter. Here, it was still and quiet, and I pitched for night 2 with views of Arenig Fach, and the orange setting sun, sending out its beautiful golden rays, and then dipping behind the hills out of sight. The sunset was my favourite part of the trip so far, and I cooked up some noodles and filled up on dark chocolate digestives and decaf coffee, while a bright moon dipped in and out of the clouds above  Day 3 On day 3, I woke feeling refreshed – I’d had a good 8 hours of sleep and wasn’t feeling so violated by the morning light. The day had started a brisk 6°C, but the temperature climbed and soon enough, it was feeling warm in the sun, and I poured over my map and decided on a plan for the day. I would make my way down into the next valley, check out the stream there and then see about heading up another peak and maybe visiting some forested areas. I enjoyed a chocolate coffee and a cinnamon swirl and got packed up, and on my way On arriving at the stream, I came upon a pool deep enough for a dip, in a sheltered, sun-trapped lil nook in the valley. In the sun, my thermometer read 19°C, but the water was only 7ºC. Still pretty cool, but in the warm sunshine I felt inspired to try my first cold dip of the year. The water felt shockingly cold on my skin, but I managed to give myself a full, invigorating dunk. And with the winter cobwebs blown away, I continued on up to my 5th lil peak – 596m Foel Boeth. The views from here were so beautiful; hills as far as the eye could see, in hues of hazy blues. The wind was back and relentless, so I descended the southern side of the hill, until I was back onto an easy track that would lead me all the way to a small forest The fresh scent of evergreens hung in the air as the late winter sun sparkled through the mossy trees. I was among tall pines, and I could hear a nearby river rushing by. I’d head for that, find a place to stop for lunch, and have another go at practicing my cold-water tolerance. This time however I was even less graceful, flapping about and gasping in the shallow water like a stuck fish. I found what looked to be some deflated star jelly, I crossed more farmland, met another Sheep King balanced on his high throne of hay, and popped back out onto open access land, with an hour and a half left until sunset. I decided to top one last hill, my 6th of the trip but only a baby one, the 417m summit of Moel Phylip, which overlooked the vast waters of Llyn Celyn to the south west. Llyn Celyn is a man-made reservoir, created to provide water to Liverpool. She looked so beautiful, nestled between the hills and soaking up the late afternoon sun, but she has a troubled past. Her construction required the flooding of the valley that she lay in, and the remains of Capel Celyn – a Welsh village – sit below her waters. The construction of the reservoir was strongly opposed by both locals and Welsh MP’s, but in the 1960’s when the valley was flooded, the residents of the village were displaced from their homes and businesses, their village swallowed by the deep waters Turning and looking to the north, I could see the route than I had taken on this adventure. The hill that I’d stopped on for night one, and the lil peaks that I’d crossed the day before on my way around the westerly side of the sweeping valley. I had travelled 33km now, considerably further than the 20km route that I had initially planned. It was a beautiful evening, and I soon found a perfect place to pitch, just above the tree line. The mountains stood against the glowing setting sun, and as she dipped below them, the sky turned to deep magenta. It never got dark, with a bright moon hanging above my tent, illuminating my view with milky moonlight. The temperature dropped to 3°C, the coolest night of my trip so far. And a magnificent ring circled the moon – the effect of moonlight refracting through millions of tiny ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. A 22°C halo.  Day 4 I woke on the last morning of my trip to soft hues and a gentle breeze. The morning sun rose behind my tent to greet me, and the birds sang, and I couldn’t believe my luck with this one, to have such lovely conditions for consecutive days in early March. Another winter was drawing to an end, and another decade for me. This had been the first adventure of my 40’s, and I mused all the events and difficulties of my life that had bought me here, to a place of peace and love. I didn’t have an easy time in my youth, but I was so grateful for all of it, for leading me here. I wish I had known then, that those hardships, that felt very much like they were breaking me at the time, were actually building me. They were building a foundation that I could grow from, and learn my own strength when there was not much else to guide me. I descended back through woods, following a narrow trail, weaving in and out between the trees. How these wild places had helped me. And what a privilege it was to be here I popped out onto the road, and was jolted back into civilisation by a van speeding by. A temporary speed limit road sign had been placed along my short walk back to my car. 40. How perfect :) Learn about Llyn Celyn and the flooding of Capel Celyn here: Llyn Celyn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llyn_Celyn Flooding of Capel Celyn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capel_Celyn Comments are closed.
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