It’s safe to say that I’m starting to miss the mountains a lot. Working odd shifts here and there makes it difficult to get a good chunk of time off in one go and with the closest mountain range being around 4 hours away, it’s not something I can do in a day. I do envy those who have the energy to travel so far for a day, or even a weekend, but I think my limit for a round trip is around 3 hours!
So with mountains on the mind, it got me thinking back to some of my favourite hikes and I thought I’d share my top three mountain days from the last year.
3. Helvellyn via Striding Edge – May 2021
At number three, Helvellyn via Striding Edge. This hike was a great one for so many reasons! The weather, the route, the views and the company.
Starting from the car park in Glenridding, we followed the path up to Birkhouse Moor. From here, we summited Helvellyn via striding edge, then circled around Red Tarn before following the same path back down to the carpark. Our total route was just over 12.5km.
This is one that had been on my list for a while and I’m so glad we had such good weather for it. It was mostly sunny throughout the day, with a flurry of snow just before heading back down. We followed our hike with a delightful dip in Ullswater.
Nearly all of the girls I walked this route with, I’d met through instagram. It was such a lovely day with so many laughs and it really does make me so grateful for the friendships that I’ve made.
I’ve definitely gained a love for the thrill I get from ridge hikes (sorry mum), so let me know your favourite in the comments so that I can add them to my list!
2. Tryfan – April 2021
Coming in at number two is Tryfan. This hike was part of a group trip organised by the Misfits Mountain Movement. I was pretty apprehensive at the start of this trip, as it was the first time I’ve really gone away with a bunch of strangers. But from the first evening, it was so relaxed and I felt incredibly comfortable. I ended up having the best weekend with some wonderful humans and went on another weekend away with them all not long after.
Once again, we were blessed with the weather. Unfortunately I didn’t track this one, and therefore don’t have the route or total distance, but we started from the free parking on the A5, alongside Llyn Ogwen. Though there are a lot of spaces, it fills up quick (especially in summer), so I’d recommend getting there early.
It was a great route as it had such a mix of terrain and some awesome scrambling opportunities. You can also jump ‘Adam and Eve’ – which I very nearly chickened out of!
1. Snowdon via Crib Goch – May 2021
Easily number one, Snowdon via Crib Goch. I really struggle to put into words how amazing this day was.
The start was a bit rocky, the cloud was coming in and even though we’d checked the forecasts, we weren’t 100% sure whether we would be able to go up via Crib Goch. We were well equipped, had a backup plan and we trusted each other enough to know we would speak up if we felt uncomfortable.
We parked at the Pen-y-pass car park and started on the Pyg Track, before turning onto the trail for Crib Goch. We summited Garnedd Ugain and went on to the Snowdon summit, before taking the Pyg Track back down to the carpark. A total distance of just under 10km.
We took it steady and continuously assessed the situation. A sudden covering of the most crisp, white snow made it a picture perfect day. The climb was tough, the ridge was exhilarating and the views were just incredible. This was actually the first time I ever managed to get a view from the top of Snowdon.
Getting to share this experience with my hiking bestie (@power_outdoors) has certainly been one of my hiking highlights over the past couple of years. It’s not just the places, but the people who you experience them with that make them so special.
I can’t wait to tick more mountains off my list, and hopefully start to venture a bit further out into Europe and start challenging myself a bit more with some bigger climbs. I’m also hoping to gain more technical skills, especially with regards to winter hiking, and put these to the test in the not so distant future!
Lisa Outdoors 
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