Your Travel Guide

Over the weekend I traveled to Snowdonia with the Aber Expeditions Club. Snowdonia is a region of north Wales and home to the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales, Snowdon. Coming in at 1,085 ft., it’s no monster, but still a good climb. I’ve always really enjoyed hiking or climbing in new places. There’s something about going over a new terrain that brings you closer to wherever you are. Different soil, rocks, grasses, trees, and wildlife put together the colors, sights and smells of each new environment.

On Saturday we climbed Snowdon. It was really foggy, wet and windy, so I didn’t get any of the amazing views, but I still really enjoyed it. You know it was a good day if you come back soaked to the bone with only a pair of shorts to change into and want to go out again the next day. The route I took with a few others of the exped club was along the ridge Crib Goch, the hardest route up the mountain. It is mostly a big scramble (between walking and climbing, meaning that you don’t need climbing gear but you have to use the support of your hands).

Crib Goch
The ridge I used to climb up Snowdon.

So much fun, I’d love to do more of it.

Sunday we were supposed to walk the other mountain, Tryfan, which is slightly smaller, but that morning the forecast was 60mph winds on mountain, so that was scratched. Instead we stayed in a valley, did some walking and scrambling along some small ridges and hills, and then went to an indoor climbing wall. It eventually cleared up, so I was able to see the area surrounding areas. Again, really refreshing and fun.

Beyond that, I’m loving Wales and Aberystwyth. It’s great to be in a small town you can walk through filled with other students. The people are all extremely friendly, even in their British ways. I’m even beginning to use cheers, mate, toilets, football, boots, trousers, chocolate bars (not candy), hoover, and much more. I can tell leaving is going to be difficult.

Writer: Nessia Berner