Well, quite a bit to report on from the last couple of weeks. We’ve had a weekend in the Peak District, some snowy fell runs, a race, and a ramble.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

Written by Haydn Williams

Well, quite a bit to report on from the last couple of weeks. We’ve had a weekend in the Peak District, starting with a run around the Longshaw Estate on the Saturday, and then a snowy wander along Birchen the following morning (via some very dodgy back roads which we nearly got stuck on!).

The view from Birchen Edge. © Haydn Williams 2015
The view from Birchen Edge. © Haydn Williams 2015
Winter sun below Birchen. © Haydn Williams 2015
Winter sun below Birchen. © Haydn Williams 2015

I had a run up the Watkin Path on Snowdon, having been dreaming for some time of a running traverse of Y Lliwedd in the snow. A late start meant I chickened out in the end (heading into the cloud on my own as the sun set didn’t seem like a particularly sensible idea), but I had a great time being repeatedly buzzed by an army helicopter and racking up a decent amount of climbing without really noticing (well clearly I noticed, but it didn’t feel too strenuous!).

Snowdon flitting in and out of view. © Haydn Williams 2015
Snowdon flitting in and out of view. © Haydn Williams 2015
Army helicopter and me. Very well photographed. © Haydn Williams 2015
Army helicopter and me. Very well photographed. © Haydn Williams 2015

The Snowdon trip finished at dusk, but a subsequent post-work run over the Glyders definitely finished in the dark. It was cloudy when I pulled into Ogwen car park, but as I crested the top of the North-East ridge of Y Garn, I was greeted by the most amazing day I’ve had in a very very long time. Lots of photos follow, none of which do it justice.

Definitely worth the climb. © Haydn Williams 2015
Definitely worth the climb. © Haydn Williams 2015

I also took the opportunity to create my very first Photosphere, which you can drag around below:

Atop Glyder Fawr. © Haydn Williams 2015
Atop Glyder Fawr. © Haydn Williams 2015

[photonav url=http://www.haydnwilliams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150122-03.jpg mode=move popup=none animate=none position=center label=true]

Another 'spot the helicopter' shot. © Haydn Williams 2015
Another ‘spot the helicopter’ shot. © Haydn Williams 2015
Moonrise over Y Gribin. © Haydn Williams 2015
Moonrise over Y Gribin. © Haydn Williams 2015

On Friday I did the last of this year’s Dash in the Dark races at Llandegla, having missed the first two. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy these, primarily because they’re in the dark and over technical ground. I seem to be quite good at this, and lots of other people seem quite timid, so I was really pleased with 16th place out of over 190 starters.

About to head to the start of the Dash in the Dark. © Haydn Williams 2015
About to head to the start of the Dash in the Dark. © Haydn Williams 2015

Finally, today was a blustery walk around the Alwen Reservoir and up into the cloud to summit Mwdwl-eithin. Definitely a less well frequented trig point, although I’m sure from it’s location that it must have lovely views when you’re not entombed in cloud.

Not much going on at the top of Mwdwl-eithin. © Haydn Williams 2015
Not much going on at the top of Mwdwl-eithin. © Haydn Williams 2015

All a bit action-packed, and it’s off to Scotland next week for some more fun too!