Through the magic valley

Jim Perrin conjures more Eryri magic, folding time on a lesser-known scramble to Wales’ highest peak

In the hills above Blaenau Ffestiniog lie the remains of RHOSYDD QUARRY . Once a hub of industry, now abandoned and left to decay, it’s a place that echoes with whispers of the past.

MOUNTAIN, RIVER & MOORLAND LOOP

It’s the busiest time of year for Britain’s beautiful places. Yet as these locations prove, you can find silence, sensational scenery and space to breathe.

If you want to experience some of the airiness associated with YR WYDDFA ’s (Snowdon’s) edgiest routes, but with a focus more on walking rather than scrambling, the South Ridge is hard to beat.

Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, handy advice, weird stuff that happened: welcome to the little bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make all the difference.