Snowdonia birds

I've had a wonderful weekend in Snowdonia - primarily walking of course, but I just can't help finding a few nice birds here and there!

On Saturday we did Crib Goch from Pen-y-Pass. Up the Pyg track, then scrambling up over rocks to the magnificent knife-edge ridge with views down to the Llanberis Pass on the right and across to the twin peaks of Y Lliwedd on the left with Snowdon itself out in front. In the glorious sunshine it wasn't quite so perilous, but the precipitous drops to either side certainly made my heart race! Ravens soared below us and gulls were tiny white specks on the lake below.

The next day we finally made it up all 1085m of Snowdon. We chose the Miner's track, walking along side the lakes before a steep climb to the summit ridge. The weather couldn't have been any more different than yesterday - torrential rain and swirling winds weren't exactly pleasant. "Is this fun?" I asked my other half. It didn't look like he thought so either. We made it to the summit and back down the the lakes, through the clouds and rain. And finally the rain stopped and the birds came out to play: pied wagtails, meadow pipits and wheatears flitting around the tussocky grass and rocks of the lower slopes. It was fun after all - despite the rain, wind and cold the birds made it worth it once again. What a wonderful way to end the weekend.