Llanberis Lake, nr Snowdon

A group of seven walkers were meeting at a convenient camp site. The group consisted of Mike, Paul, Vicky and Elizabeth, who had not long completed the Hadrian wall walk, Jenny, my son Robbie and myself who were first time walkers.

As I had the week off, I arrived on the Thursday. After pitching the tent, as Robbie and I were sitting eating the obligatory “Pot Noodle”, we watched a lone figure climb the steep hill to the camp site. They were loaded with a packed rucksack and carrying a holdall stopping every so often to get their breath back. It was not until the person walked onto the site that I realised that it was Paul. Well that was Thursday night’s entertainment.

Friday saw the remaining walkers arrive and pitch their tents,whilst they were being put up, the wind picked up to the point that I had to attach more guy ropes to my own tent.

The evening meal was prepared in the campsite shed (currently being renovated to the new shower and dining block). The meal consisted of pasta, with Paul’s famous chunky tomato sauce, barbecued spare ribs, sausages and burgers.

Saturday morning greeted us with howling winds and lashing rain. So much rain fell that the ducks went for shelter!! My own tent had worked loose and was threatening to blow away; Paul came off worse as he had to abandon his tent. The wind and rain were so strong that his tent had collapsed around him.

After securing the tents we unanimously agreed that the weather conditions were not suitable to continue the walk and a “Plan B” had to be found. The visit to the Slate Museum was very educational and interesting, as well as warm and dry. Unfortunately there is only so long you can look at slate, so we moved onto Bangor and walked around the shops instead.

The evening meal was similar to the nights before but this time I made my own version of tomato sauce, still with chunky vegetables. After the meal, a visit to the local pub/ bar was in order, where we were entertained by the “Brilliant, guitarist and vocals” entertainer. Luckily we all wanted an early night so left promptly whilst Dire Straits walk of life was being strangled.

The next morning Paul suggested a visit to the Great Orme and walk up to the peak, just 700 metres above sea level. Overnight, Paul had planned a route to suit everyone in the party. Although the rain had stopped, the wind was still gusting and the ascent to the top was made harder. We all ploughed on and eventually made it to the Great Orme summit complex and visitor centre at the top. The walk was testing but not impossible, even for the first timers. The group were very patient with the stragglers (mainly me) and was arranged so that there was an experienced walker at the front and the rear, who kept in touch with walkie talkies.

The views of Llandudno are breath taking from the top and Paul was in his element pointing out the points of interest. In total the walk was about three and half miles, but seemed longer due to the rising and falling ground. After a safe descent we said our goodbyes and made our way home, all satisfied in having completed a great walk.

Charlie Manfredi