CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN?

Victor Charles finds summer in Snowdonia a wonderful time for walking in the mountains, but is reminded that you need to be prepared and carry a map!

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It was only when we were already halfway up the mountain that I realised, perhaps we had made a wrong turn. Here we were in the magnificent Eryri National Park, climbing up mighty Mount Tryfan - and I'd forgotten how to get to the peak! A fact which, given that I'd climbed it twice before, came as a surprise to me and even more so to Suzy, who I had earlier assured that we would encounter easy paths and not too tricky an ascent.

Betws-y-Coed

We chose a summer break in Snowdonia (Eryri National Park), in North Wales, for good reason. It has amazing scenery, beautiful lakes and challenging mountains.

We were staying at Gwern Gof Isaf Farm & Campsite, at the foot of Mount Tryfan, with soaring hills and mountains in all directions around us.

On our first day, I decided there were at least three walks I wanted to do during our stay. But first, we had a gentle stroll around the nearby village, Betws-y-Coed, where we followed the river, climbed on the rocks, browsed the shops, and called in at the visitor centre. There we watched a film about Snowdonia.

Betws-y-Coed is lovely, with independent shops and crafts, riverside walks, and the fabulous Swallow Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into a deep chasm.

We walked down steps to see the falls from different angles - and got a bit wet from the waterfall mist.

We returned to camp in time for dinner. Charlie the guinea pig, who had as usual come camping with us, was pleased to get his tea as well. He went out in his run while we cooked our meal. He was clearly excited to discover that the grass was taller than him!

Mount Tryfan