Wednesday 18th September 2019 … Oh glorious sunshine!

If there is one railway journey that needs sunshine it has to be ascending the highest mountain in Wales. By golly didi the weather deliver. Not just sunny but basking in late summer warmth.

We started as usual in the Metropole car park at 6.30am. I have to give it to my companions, they are a dedicated lot and not afraid to put themselves out. If there was one slightly damp squib on the day it was the navigating skill of the lead driver and group leader. They nickname me Blue Leader One! If I had been a pilot in the Battle of Britain my navigation skills that morning would have lost us the battle. Foolishly ignoring my own rules for travel I followed the wonderfully accented voice of a female person, otherwise know as the Satnag (Sorry Satnav).

Having booked us an early(ish) train – 10am – it became clear that we would not make it in time. I was able to call ahead and alter the train time thus avoiding major embarrassment.

Once safely in llanberis the good folk of Llandrindod went off on their own for food and exploration agreeing to reconvene in plenty of time to get the alloted train at 1.30pm.The journey up Snowdon took one hour. the sky was crystal blue  which afforded magnificent views all the way up. There were feathery clouds at the top but the views were still clear and spectacular. An oft overused superlative but it says exactly what was on the tin!

At the summit we were allowed 30 minutes before the descent. 6 of us climbed the 80 steps from the train station to the top. It was very busy with lots of people there including a rugby team doing a charity walk and everyone was helpful with each other. 

We descended at 3pm arriving in Llanberis at 4pm then adjourned to the snack bar for a beverage. 

We also decided we would stop for a spot of supper on the way home. having sampled the delights of The Bluebell Inn at llangurig on a previous trip we decided to go there. A reservation was made by telephone and we set off at about 5pm.  No vavigation problems this time and we duly arrived on time.

This was one of those days you have when it could not have been more perfect. Even missing the early train meant we had a longer and more relaxed day with a lovely meal to finish things off. The weather was perfect, the company good with some great repartee and banter. The photographs aren’t bad either!