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The first day of my Rhinogydd Adventure. It was January, and I intended to start the year with a few days in the wild, and hopefully blow away some of those winter cobwebs. Feeling slightly jaded by the dark days, with my home on my back, I wandered through the evergreen goodness of the valley forest before heading up rocky paths, interspersed with old stone bridges. Already I could feel myself waking up, coming back to life To continue reading this trip journal, click on 'read more' at the bottom of this blog post.. GeAr List
This gear list contains 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 You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :) *I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any free gear to try since summer of 2021. 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 Hilleberg Soulo + Footprint (Bad Weather Test & details about this tent here Mini Binder Clips https://amzn.to/47IJACR Lyocel towel for condensation https://amzn.to/45t7tO6 Swedish Dishcloth for condensation 7g https://amzn.to/3vt3W4E TREKKING POLE Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj SLEEP SYSTEM Sleeping Bag Rab Ascent 1100 https://amzn.to/3ATy3lM Winter 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 Alpkit Kloke Bivi Bag https://amzn.to/3rb1nCK (protects sleeping bag from condensation or tent failure) RUCKSACK & PACKING Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR High Ankle Boots Haix Nature One GTX https://amzn.to/47fnxmV Grangers Natural Beeswax for Boots https://amzn.to/44bT0Ft Hikenture Gaiters https://amzn.to/49idbo1 Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l Rab Downpour Eco Pants https://amzn.to/47laBvg High Waist Leggings Heather Grey https://amzn.to/41Rplko North Ridge Convect Women’s Merino Base Layer https://amzn.to/3MPqbrw Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y Step One Lady Boxers Green https://amzn.to/44VgrD2 Step One Lady Boxers Black https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe Merino Wool Vest Walnut https://amzn.to/44R0ZrH Peter Storm Neck Gaiter https://amzn.to/46iXwSz Fleece Gloves Decathlon Gloves Sealskinz https://amzn.to/3s48ucX Clothes for Camp: Fleece hat, gloves & neck warmer Decathlon SIT MAT Cheapo one https://amzn.to/3yP22u8 FIELD REPAIRS Tenacious Tape https://amzn.to/2PmjxOq Duct Tape (I wrap it around my trekking pole) https://amzn.to/3qPKFEF DD Superlight Guy Rope (spare cordage) https://amzn.to/3hlefRW COOKING Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4 Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN Mini Tin for matches / seasonings etc https://amzn.to/41RpTGY + Match Striker Sticker Paper https://amzn.to/3UblInq XBands https://amzn.to/43SVFE8 Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi Bag for rubbish WATER x2 1L Bottles LifeStraw 650m Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe Cup (10g) Decathlon Milton Sterilising Tablets (for cleaning at home) https://amzn.to/3W4tLR5 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 MED KIT Pain relief Antihistamine Plasters Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely) Wound Dressing Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI Alcohol Wipes Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/ TICK PREVENTION Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB HEAT Ocoopa Electronic Hand Warmer https://amzn.to/3BDyels ICE & SNOW Petzl Ice Axe https://amzn.to/3qTmx3W WardWolf Ice Spikes https://amzn.to/3HAF5wH ELECTRONICS 20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2 Headtorch Decathlon Light Goal Zero https://amzn.to/32RI1pR Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n Lyocel towel for drying hands & gear in wet weather https://amzn.to/45t7tO6 PLB / NAV / EMERGENCY Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM Map & Compass Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7 Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM FILMING 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 128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8 Light Clip https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p Ball Head https://amzn.to/3G3obrL 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 SAM the drone: DJI Mavic Mini Drone https://amzn.to/3rvF0SZ + an old iphone to control it – my phone not compatible 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v COMPUTER & EDITING Editing Program – Davinci (Free) Headphones Audio-Technica https://amzn.to/3Hbtk1J Headphone Stand https://amzn.to/3TSgKfn Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t Personalised Mouse Mat https://amzn.to/414UsZ5 Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U XP Pen Graphic Drawing Tablet https://amzn.to/479ghZE 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.. Nostalgic Whispers – Andreas Kübler Candlelight Theme – Trevor Kowalski Soft Rode – O.K. Metis – Oliver Michael Vivace – Spearfisher Eternal Life – Tristan Barton Up the Hill Over the Mountain – Will Van De Crommert As Pure as Driven Snow - Across The Great Valley Oh the Sky – Helmet Schenker Planting the Seeds – David Celeste All from Artlist & Epidemic Sound with license JOURNAL - 3 WILD NIGHTS - WINTER IN THE SOUTHERN RHINOGS DAY 1
After staying low on my last couple of trips; first because of a busted ankle and then due to the weather, this weekend I was going to attempt to get up higher. Up on to a ridge between the two highest peaks in the Rhinogydd; Diffwys & Y Llethr, which both grace the Cambrian Way. But the days are so short in winter, and I wouldn’t have time to get up onto the ridge on this first day A light rain drizzled on and off, and a rainbow emerged from the valley as the sun got low. The scenes on this ascent were heartbreakingly beautiful; low clouds drifting past, hiding the summits, and the sun setting behind them like a glowing orb I decided to pitch at around 550m, close to a trickle of water, with views over the valley. The weather was starting to get up a bit. It was fairly mild for January, but the forecast predicted a drop into freezing temperatures by the next evening, so I was kitted out with all my winter gear I was feeling a little uncertain, which is pretty common for me on night 1 of a trip. It can take me a little while to settle in. I was worrying about a steep section on the map that I would have to ascend the next day, and I found it hard to sleep, catching an hour here and there between listening to the rain and wind on the tent DAY 2 I woke on day two to the pitter-patter of rain on the tent, which soon gave way to the most beautiful sunrise. Cadair Idris stood high across the valley, and the backlit hills in front of her created shimmery, golden layers in the morning light. I had first woken feeling groggy, having not slept very well – I’d been worrying about a steep section that I’d soon be taking on. But looking out over these views, taking in the fresh morning air and feeling the winter sun on my skin perked me right up. I had a pastry and a chocolate coffee, packed up and got on my way Feeling a little nervy, I approached the steep section that’d been giving me all the heebie-jeebies. It was steep, but it didn’t appear to be dangerously so. A slip would result in a tumble rather than a fall (which is my personal way of assessing if I can reasonably attempt a route or not), and this reassured me. I scrambled over rockfall and clawed my way onto a grass bank, over half way up the steep part, before realising that I had somehow bypassed a path. Still steep but no doubt easier going than the wonky approach I had just taken. It was a bit of a daft mistake, but I was pleased to find that this steep section was nowhere near as scary as I was worried it might be. Before long I was slogging up the last grass bank, and popped out onto the ridge between Diffwys and Y Llethr. With a few daylight hours ahead, I decided to summit Diffwys – an easy walk along the ridge, which also forms part of the Cambrian Way. As I climbed higher, I noticed I was above the clouds in the valley. As I approached the peak, clouds came drifting past, engulfing me in a misty white haze At the summit, the clouds had passed, and I had a clear view. I peered over the edge and felt my stomach roll at the sight of the 500m drop below me, and retreated sharpish back to the safety of the trig point. I plonked down next to it and sat a while, taking it all in, and feeling accomplished. Climbing to 750m with my 18kg winter kit on my back was quite something for me, and while this is one of the lower peaks of Eyrie, I felt on top of the world Tonight I had planned to have a lake camp at Llyn Dulyn. To the north of Diffwys and nestled at 530m between the two peaks, I would have to find my own pathless way down there, and I hoped not to encounter any unwelcome bogs. I needn’t have worried though, as the going was fine. Tufty and wet and time consuming, but nothing to fall into – at least, not on the route I took. As I pitched by the lake, the wind dropped and the water became like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding cliffs over its surface. The air was dropping to freezing, and I paddled in the biting, 5°C water, very briefly indeed before retreating to my sleeping bag and my hand warmer. As the night froze, the stars came out, and I could see the pale ribbon of the milky way with the naked eye, snaking across the sky. Orion slowly rose above the cliffs, appearing as if he were clambering over them. I fell into a deep sleep, finally settled into the way of being a mountain nomad for a short time DAY 3 I woke to a frosty morning; all pink-tinted skies and low hanging clouds, the grass white and sparkly. I crunched over to the lake and found the water around the edge frozen. The air was silent, apart from the sounds of a couple of groups of hikers passing along the Cambrian way above, which would turn out to be the only souls that I encountered on this trip. Usually, I would make brief acquaintance with animals of bugs, but because of the cold, there were not even any beasts for company Having had a deep and restful sleep, I decided to try for another peak; Y Llethr - the highest point in the Rhinoggyd. The walk back up on to the ridge was cold and blue, and I appreciated the ascent to get my blood pumping and keep me warm. There was a stiff breeze, and in the freezing temperatures, it had quite a kick Back up on the ridge, the winter sun burst into view, melting all the ice in its path. I would dip in and out of two different worlds as I followed the drystone wall along the ridge; one sunlit, spring-like and green, and then back into the shadows, icy and wintery It felt like a bit of a slog, but I eventually reached the rounded summit of Y Llethr, 756m - but not feeling like so much of a summit because of its gentle sweeping views east and west. I could see for miles around, from the valley that I started in a couple days ago looking south-east, all the way to the Snowdon range in the north. It felt arctic up here, the wind chill threatening to eat right through my layers, so I didn’t stay for long. Still feeling energised and thinking it would be a good idea to camp lower out of the cold wind, I started heading back down. And I just kept going, all the way along the ridge, back to the saddle, back down the steep section (I took the right way down this time) and progressing ever closer to the valley I stopped and looked over the lay of the land, and worked out a place that I wanted to pitch for the night – close to the tree line, but high enough to still have the views. With a spot in mind, I headed in that direction, collecting water, traversing heather, the sun disappearing below the rocks just as I arrived at my spot, and man, it was beautiful. My tent went up among rocky outcrops, with Garn Fach and Y Garn filling my horizon. Evergreens filled the valley just below me. I lay on a rock and watched the sky, before collapsing exhausted into my tent. It was the most perfect place to spend my last night. There was no wind now, and my trusty friend Orion again rose into view in the cold night, perfectly framed by the opening of my tent door DAY 4 The last morning is always bitter sweet, especially when it’s such a beautiful one. I’ve been missing loved ones, and I’m craving decent food and the easy comforts of home. But I have to leave this. This place where I feel so at peace. No social anxieties... none of those modern-life stresses. The morning was cold and bright, and as the sun rose, lines of clouds rolled and spun in the sky, the sun shining through the gap between them. I had a lazy breakfast and packed up my camp, pondering the briefness of my passing through here. And my fleeting existence, compared to these rocks around me and this sky above me, that keeps on turning relentlessly, uncaring if I’m here or not. As I return to my regular life, I feel so glad that I came here and experienced this. Another wild few days that will stay with me forever and help me to feel not only capable, but deeply grateful Comments are closed.
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