Northern Arans #3 2-day backpack

A short 2-day variation of a Northern Arans circuit, approaching up the familiar north ridge and circling round to the Llaethnant valley for a pitch by Creiglyn Dyfi and returning on a new line directly down Cwm Croes to Pont Talardd and Llanuwchllyn.

The forecast had predicted a quiet day for Saturday with quickly deteriorating conditions from the north over the course of Sunday, particularly with regard to the wind where mobility would be very difficult towards the end of the day.

An Aran backpack fitted the bill at short notice, a pitch cradled in the arc of cliffs would provide enough shelter from the developing westerly blast. As it turned out Saturday was very breezy and the wind around Creiglyn Dyfi was blowing from just about every direction, but the pitch was a grand one and I had no problems as it strengthened overnight, unlike a couple of campers not far away apparently, as I discovered the next morning - maybe someone from here owns those sorry-looking tents?.

Full report & photos:-  Link

Grand, as ever, Geoff.

We were out on Moel Siabod on Sunday and the wind certainly came through strong as forecast.

We've backpacked a quite similar route, probably 2 years ago now, but camping up by the little llyn up on Aran Benllyn (in the snow). We crossed Foel Hafod fynnydd before dropping into Cwm Du and the valley. That road walk out is a bit of a plod at the end, but the rest is great.

Looking at Creiglyn Dyfi, we didn't notice any really great ground for a pitch, it all looked a bit rough and sloping. Were you tucked in somewhere near the inflow stream?

Thanks Matt.That's the shortest variation yet of northern circuit, the longest being across Foel Hafod-fynydd and up to Llechwedd Du and along the ridge of Esgeiriau Gwynion.

Much of the shore is some combination of rough, sloping or rocky but there is good ground near the tiny inflow streams, also at the SW corner.

Thanks very much, it is a fine spot but I think I'll avoid Saturday nights from now on even though the area is usually little frequented.