April 15-18 1960

An excellent weekend. Weather near perfect. On Friday spent day on Pinnacles and at Ogwen. Saturday we went to Cwm Cywarch (Arrans) where Dennis & Bill ascended Arran Fawddwy in brilliant sunshine, returned via Bwlch y Groes, a wonderful day. Very few people about in the Arran district.

On Sunday Bett & Fred Smith went to Yr Eifl while Dennis, Bill and Len climbed Pinnacle Rib. Very crowded.

Monday-a red letter day. Fred, Dennis, Bill & Len rose at 5.15(am) for Ogwen. Arrived at foot of Gashed Crag at 8.30 and had the mountain to themselves until nearly 11am when the Easter hoards attacked. We then retreated to a sunny sit outside Nant y Moddyn for the afternoon.

A wonderful weekend.

May 1st 1960

Whilst searching for club huts and carrying out other club business we found ourselves at the foot of the Great Slab-Craig Cwm Silyn. This inspired an ascent of the Ordinary Route. The party consisting of Neil Hayes, Jack Drummond-Ray Harold, Albert Sheppherd. The weather could not have been better, hence the climbing.

May 14th 1960

Ray Harold, Tony Pierce, Pam Pierce.

Dinas Cromlech :- Flying Buttress, Spiral Stairs (VD)

Ray Harold, Tony Pierce.

Dinas Cromlech :- Dives Route (Severe)

A rather windy day but luckily the rain held off, but only just. A good day enjoyed by all.

May 14th 1960

The hut-hunt continues-we contacted a Welshman named Alasdair Mc Kinnon who has a very suitable place-he will consider our proposition. Jack Drummond, Neil Hayes and Ron Fisher took themselves into Cwm Glas and Crib Goch whilst Fred Smith and Bill Jackson climbed Crackstone Rib and The Wrinkle.

On the same day whilst returning from Llanberis after a further bout of hut hunting Mike Oldaker, Hilda Fenner and K & B Grahl noticed a sharp peak half way up the Pass. After due consideration and preparation it was ascended on capital holds until a traverse led to a railway station devoid of trains. The splendid view of the Principality was obscured by mist.

May 15th

During the early morning our party was unfortunately aroused by an unearthly noise which on investigation proved to be the President and some members or students of an education in climbing course, getting out of bed. As further sleep was impossible our party arose and in due course breakfasted, after which a journey was undertaken to Lake Ogwen which was admired by all. Hilda Fenner & Mike Oldaker then ascended the Pulpit Route in preparation for the sterner work which lay ahead, whilst K & B Grahl traversed the Heather Terrace to almost its furthest extremity where some imposing rocks were seen leading to the summit. The rocks are known as Arete Route. In due course Hilda & Mike appeared and lunch was enjoyed before commencing the preparation for the ascent. The rope was led by Hilda who surmounted even the stiffest obstacles in fine style and led us to the final chimney of Gashed Crag the ascent of which was carried out initially by M Oldaker. The party gathered on the summit expressing appreciative remarks of the view which extended even to the mountain of Snowdon.

May 29

M Oldaker, R Edwards, H Fenner & K & B Grahl arose early from their beds in Liverpool tempted by the sun which even at that early hour was shining strongly. Supplies had already been purchased and eventually the party arrived at Idwal. Since the sun was still shining and the weather appeared to be settled a move was made in the direction of the Idwal Slabs which were singularly devoid of climbers. Equipment having been checked, ascents were made via the Ordinary Route-M Oldaker and Kay Grahl, and Charity-Roy Edwards and B Grahl and H Fenner, all surmounting various obstacles, some of which were almost devoid of rugosities making clambering up them somewhat difficult. However, all eventually reached the Terrace from which a short scramble led to a sombre cwm having no name. An arete-the Sub- Cneifion appeared to offer an interesting route to the Gribin Ridge, was noticed and in due course was mounted. Again the party was fortunate in obtaining extensive views of the district-the roads appearing like threads of fine cotton and along which minute specks, perhaps automobiles, were moving slowly.

No activities were recorded during this month.

July 9th

Left N y M. at 8am after rising at 6.30, progressed rapidly to the Nantle Valley, less rapidly up screes to Craig y Bera, then most enjoyably up Angel's Pavement. A fast ride to Trevor on the Lleyn Peninsula followed. After lunch the extremely steep slopes protecting the foot of Eifl Tower (Vertigan's Leap) were traversed and the Eifl Tower climbed. Arrived back at the hut at 9.45pm after a most enjoyable day which was only possible via an EARLY START. Sluggards please note!!

To whom are you referring?

- To you my dear fellow.

F.A.Smith, R.Harold (leading) & J.Craig

July 9/10

Despite the threat of mediocre weather conditions and pessimistic forecast of the Presidential party, ten enthusiastic (?) types left N y M. at 11.30 pm intending to do the Snowdon horseshoe by moonlight. Vain hope indeed. We left Pen y Pass and started up Crib Goch in a fairly good light, with but tantalising glimpses of the big moon which should have been shining. Just as we were reaching the rocky step the rain at last succeeded, and after donning wet weather gear and sitting with our backs to the by then steady drizzle, we decided that discretion should be the better part of valour and retraced our steps into the ever increasing rain. We sat and watched a grey dawning from the barn, while Jack and Alan siphoned petrol in scientifically improvised style, Sylvia was sensible she'd brought her sleeping bag! We eventually got back to N y M. and made for bed while the others were getting up. An enjoyable night despite all things. N.B. Special note should be made of the willing participation of Jack Drummond, Val Norris, Jeff Lloyd and Jim Cook who'd already spent a fair days exertions on Cader Idris. The rest of the party were Sylvia Goodwin, Joan & Hilda Fenner, Brian and Kay Grahl and Alan Whiteley.

Aug 7-13th

A very pleasant week doing virtually nothing. Weather reasonable beaches and roads crowded.

F.A.Smith & Family