My first objective was to climb Tryfan here. Just visible on the highest point are two seven foot rock pillars named Adam and Eve, between which the insanely brave or those tired of life can attempt to jump. I had a secret ambition to iron on the top of them, but was concerned about the bad weather forecast. Although any lightning would doubtless make the experience even more special.
After being blown over a few times and proceeding using all four limbs to hang on to anything including the grass here, I finally made it to just below this pass. Tryfan is to the left, and Bristly Ridge to the right. I'm actually sheltered from the force of the 70 mph gale, which is hitting the other side of the ridge, but would be exposed to its full strength as soon as I reach the pass. All other hikers have long since turned back. Sadly, I realised there was no way I'd be able to climb Tryfan with the equivalent of a small sail on my back, so I was forced to turn back after about 2 hrs.
Swallow Falls field
At last, the summit cairn - which seemed to have been turned into a foot highway since my last visit. Conditions were freezing as usual and the warm summit cafe was, once again, closed. My personal curse in action. At least the mountain gods don't ignore me.
Finally, ironing on the Summit of Mt Snowdon, at 1,085 m the highest point in Wales and England. In gusts so strong I could only stay for seconds on the top of the summit cairn, which has a decent drop beneath it.
Snowdon path view of Glaslyn
I really wanted to iron on Crib Cogh up there, which narrows to a one foot knife-edge in some parts. Sadly, however, the wind would have quickly blown me off, and I didn't yet have the training to use my board as a glider. I think that must be in the extreme ironing Masterclass. One day...
The gusts were forecast to drop to 50 mph on Day 2, so I decided to see whether Mt Snowdon might be achievable.
Fearsome drops descend into the mist.
My first objective was to climb Tryfan here. Just visible on the highest point are two seven foot rock pillars named Adam and Eve, between which the insanely brave or those tired of life can attempt to jump. I had a secret ambition to iron on the top of them, but was concerned about the bad weather forecast. Although any lightning would doubtless make the experience even more special.
My first objective was to climb Tryfan here. Just visible on the highest point are two seven foot rock pillars named Adam and Eve, between which the insanely brave or those tired of life can attempt to jump. I had a secret ambition to iron on the top of them, but was concerned about the bad weather forecast. Although any lightning would doubtless make the experience even more special.
My first objective was to climb Tryfan here. Just visible on the highest point are two seven foot rock pillars named Adam and Eve, between which the insanely brave or those tired of life can attempt to jump. I had a secret ambition to iron on the top of them, but was concerned about the bad weather forecast. Although any lightning would doubtless make the experience even more special.
See photo in original gallery.