Our annual Burns trip had a special poignancy this year; it was the memorial meet to our friend and long standing club member Alan M who, together with his wife, organised our first ever Burns Supper on a January meet many years ago. We’d booked Caseg Fraith in the Ogwen Valley hoping to fill the hut, and enjoy a weekend in the snow. All was looking promising, but with a few days to go the temperature rose and rain appeared. Would that stop us enjoying ourselves ? ?
Thursday 25th January
Alex P, Jason, Kent, Paul and Simon travelled up from Milton Keynes, and Louie all the way from his new home in South Wales; all eager for a full day of adventure on Friday!
Friday 26th January
Alex P, Jason, Kent, Louie and Paul all headed to Tryfan for some scrambling in the lee on the East face.
In the morning Alan W and David H set off arriving early afternoon. After a quick change they set off to stretch their legs. On their way out they bumped into Simon who was returning to the hut. He’d been for a walk to Ogwen Cottage and then looping back via the lower slopes of the Carneddau, north of the A5. After a brief chat Alan W and David resumed their walk along the old coaching road to Ogwen Cottage. Here they bumped into Paul who was also heading back; another chat followed. Finally our duo made it to Ogwen Cottage and then up into Cwm Ogwen for a lap of Llyn Ogwen before heading back to Caseg Fraith.
Shortly our scramblers returned after completing Bastow Buttress (2), Nor Nor Buttress (3) and South Gully (3). Being sensible mountaineers they didn’t top out as the wind from the east was rather strong on the top of Tryfan!
During the evening the remainder of our team arrived. We also got to know the two other parties that we were sharing the hut with for the weekend. One was from ULGMC, the hut owners so we had to be on our best behaviour! Alex P and Paul were trying to seduce Jason into the ‘black art’ of dry tooling! Alex P proudly showing his impressive homemade dry tooling shoes and tempting photos in his guide book.
Saturday 27th January
As usual we divided into smaller groups for our main day on the hill. Our two runners, Sophie and Greg both set off for runs on their own; It’s easier to regulate heat and energy usage when you are running at your own perfect pace. Greg’s route took him to Tryfan, Glider Fach and Capel Curig.
The remainder of MKMC all had Pen Yr Ole Wen as their objective, but three different ways!
David, Kathy and Peter started off with Pen Yr Heldgi Du, then Carnedd Llewellyn, Carnedd Daffyd,. Then onto Pen Yr Ole Wen and back to the hut.
The other two parties left the hut following the track beside the A5 heading into the Carneddau by Llyn Ogwen. As they approached the foot of Pen Yr Ole Wen East Ridge they went their own ways. Alex M, Dave, Floyd, Juan, Kent and Simon heading up the East Ridge, to the summit before looping back to the hut via Carnedd Daffyd and Carnedd Llewellyn.
Alan, Gill, Laurance, Mary and Nigel headed around to Cwm Lloer and started their scramble up Broad Gully Ridge (2). About half way up they found a rock wall too wet to continue; so abseiled off and retraced their route to the hut.
The evening was spent preparing our customary three-course Burn’s Supper. All 27 of us managed to sit down at the same time for the feast. The Haggis was brought to the table with a rousing rendition of Scotland the Brave before Alan W read the Ode to the Haggis, in his best Scottish accent! After the meal Alan W read out an emotional tribute to Alan M. 
It was great to hear many members recounting their personal stories of Alan M. Needless to say a fair few wee drams were taken!
Sunday 28th January
A slow morning for some, and a very slow morning one! Some decided to head home stopping for breakfast on the way. Others set off to enjoy another day in the mountains.
Greg, Kathy and Peter went off from the hut scrambling Senior’s Gully (1) via Llyn Ogwen, Llyn Bochlwyd and Bwlch Tryfan.
Two parties set off to complete a round of Cwm Gwern Gof, which is to the south of Caseg Fraith. Adam, Jason and Stacey were the first to leave. The remainder Alan W, Alex M, Dave, David, Floyd, Gill, Juan, Laurance, Mary and Shane eventually followed. After the first scrambling section Gill and Mary turned back to the hut; it wasn’t too long later that Alan W ran out of water and his dehydration caused him to also return to the hut. Everyone else carried on and enjoyed the bracing conditions on the ridge as well as the slightly awkward descent on broken ground to the hut.
After tea/coffee we all gave the hut a clean up and, most, headed home.
Monday 29th January
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t playing cricket. Alan W and David didn’t fancy a walk then a long drive back in wet clothing. They loaded up the car, did a final quick clean of the hut before heading home.
A great weekend in the mountains was had by all
Great trip and some quality climbs. And some extensive abseil practise!