Burns Meet 2012

The last weekend of January 2012 saw me setting off for my first meet with the MKMC. I
had only recently joined after meeting several members down at Big Rock. The intended
destination for the weekend was Bryn Hafod, a hut belonging to the Mountain Club of
Stafford. Situated part way up the hill between Glasgwm and Aran Fawddwy it offered
fantastic views in good weather and a good base for walkers and climbers alike.

An early contingent found time to trek up the mountainside to admire the snow and a few
feet into the mist. Everyone else arrived early evening and trudged up to the hut from the
distant car park laden down with food and belongings. Unlike the Marie Celeste the absence
of life was soon explained, everyone was huddled around the sole source of heat, the open
fire! A situation that would remain fairly constant throughout the weekend.

Despite the cold on Saturday morning the sun was shining and it promised to be a good day
despite the ominous weather forecasts. Those present slowly coalesced into several groups
and each set off in their respective directions. The majority headed over towards Cadir Idris;
to undertake climbing, scrambling or meandering. With Constanze, Andy and David I set out
to do a circuit that would take us to the summit of Aran Fawddwy.

Heading back to the car park we were soon following a sunken lane out into the valley
above Afon yt Hengwm. The path slowly climbed above the valley before swinging around
to Drysgol. The visible frosting on distant Pen Main soon turned to snow directly underfoot.
As we followed the ridge Aran Fawddwy could be seen in its full winter glory.

The final trudge led to the summit with its snow caped trig point & time for a quick bite to
eat. The snow in places was deep enough for my boot to slowly descend through the snow
layers making it tough going. The descent was along an extremely boggy path even at this
time of year. With their ice covering the sections of board walk were more of a hindrance.
Eventually we reached our downward route back to the hut and the prospect of relative
warmth.

As the afternoon/early evening progressed the others slowly returned and the Burns Supper
could commence. Everyone took turns to read the shortest Robert Burns poem they could
find in Alex’s well thumbed copy. Everyone that is but Mac and Ian whose adventures took
longer than anticipated. Afterwards everyone adjourned to the main room to bask in the
glow of the open fire, before a large contingent headed for the pub and an opportunity to
traverse some less well travelled climbs.

The Sunday was an altogether different day, with poor visibility and gusting snow/sleet
showers all day. Despite the addition of sore heads and hands some headed out into the
mist while the majority opted for a more relaxing day in the hut or a strenuous walk from
the pub car park to its welcoming interior.

So ended a most enjoyable first meet with the MKMC. Would I go again, well … yes. As a
relatively experienced walker and member of other mountaineering Clubs it did help that I
knew what to expect. Well almost!