As we all loaded into the MPVs (and car) a slight trepidation filled the air. The summit forcast for Waun Fach featured very poor visibility, 47mph winds, consitent rain and a feels like temperature of -3°. Despite this hopes were high for a bright and sunny trip.
As the drivers set off the excited mood in one MPV was shattered by Will's (the driver of said van) alarm going off. Only able to snooze it this alarm was a feature for the entire 1.5 hour journey into Wales.
With the journey out the way all three vehicles pulled into the Dinas Castle Inn carpark, to find that only cash was accepted as payment with no reciept given. In an attempt to get this expense approved by the SU an impromptu photoshoot was taken of Adam and Ben delivering their parking fees.
Everyone dutifully donned their fleeces, waterproof coats and trousers and at 9:49 exactly the group set off, following a (not so enthusiastic) briefing from the walking sec Peter. We began our ascent of Waun Fach with only a light breeze and some slight drizzle, just a taste of what was to come later.
As the group summited the ridgeline we discovered that the weather forecast had indeed been correct and today was going to be a very windy day. Over the next few hours the wind and rain continued to grow stronger on the ridge, resulting in almost everyone walking at a 45 degree angle and struggling to cover every patch of exposed skin with hats, buffs and hoods.
It was decided that the weather was too bad for lunch on the ridge (we didn't even dare to get the emergency bothys out), and that we would continue straight back to the vans asap.
Having taken an early exit down the side of the Dragons Back ridge in the hopes of escaping the worst of the weather Peter decided at this point to (unintentionally) slip several metres down a muddy slope, ending up in a tree. Another notable slip occurred after Adam (our selfless welfare and inclusivity secretary) graciously lent his walking pole to Will and then immediately slipped over (serves him right!).
We eventually made it back to the MPV's at 13:30, soaked through, and all jumped in to warm up and eat some lunch. At this point it was discovered that all Adam L had packed for his lunch was a carrot and an apple. To top it off the waterproof trousers Adam had been wearing all day were ripped almost in two at the crotch, a critical failure that had occurred on freshers trip and deemed unnecessary to fix.
It was decided that after lunch we would all head to Spoons in Abergavenny for a well-earned hot chocolate and chips. On the way Owain once again showed us why he's nicknamed Sleepy Owain and promptly nodded off. Once there, Dan's first instinct was to get warm with some press-ups, while Tom instead opted for a beer to get the blood flowing.
Everyone then loaded back into the vans, where Joel insisted on a singalong playlist. What followed was an eclectic mix of songs, all accompanied by Owain, Adam and I's beautiful harmonies from the front row.
All in all, the trip was a success with plenty of type 2 fun had by all. The best walks always come with yellow weather warnings.
Until next time,
Matthew Lake
