SOTA Report – A Snowy Family Adventure in North Wales
By Ben, GW4BML/p
Saturday’s SOTA outing began with a slightly later start than usual, rolling out of the BML household at 08:30 UTC with the old faithful Landy packed to the roof with every layer, snack, and spare glove imaginable. When you’re heading into the hills with two little ones, “prepared” takes on a whole new meaning.
Summit 1 – Moel Llyfnant GW/NW‑018 (6 points)
Our first target was Moel Llyfnant, tucked away in the beautiful Arenig valley. The drive was smooth, with a very necessary stop in Bala to raid the bakery for treats and water, fuel for both the climb and morale.
As we approached the forestry parking spot at the base of the hill, the sight ahead genuinely took us by surprise. The higher tops were plastered in snow, proper winter conditions, and Moel Llyfnant was no exception. Thankfully, we’d packed for every season. Lyra was soon zipped into her snow suit with warmers tucked into her boots, and Arti was bundled in four layers before settling comfortably into the carrier on my back.
The ascent was a steep two‑mile pull, made more interesting by drifts over two feet deep in places. Lyra, proudly wielding her new walking poles, tackled the climb like a seasoned mountaineer. Arti slept most of the way, only waking as we reached the summit, greeting the top with a burst of singing that made the moment even better.
The wind was biting, funnelling down the valley with real force, but we found shelter behind the summit rocks. Radio-wise, things started slowly. My FT5D handheld wasn’t behaving, and after working Mark @MW7DBF - who could practically see us from his home QTH, there were no further takers. A battery swap transformed the situation, and soon I had eight more stations in the log, including five S2S contacts. I really do need to purchase a couple of new batteries!
With the activation qualified, we tucked into our Bala bakery supplies before making a timely descent. The hail arrived just as we reached the Landy, perfect timing. Four miles of snowy terrain, and Lyra completed every step herself. She’d earned a warm lunch, so we headed to Penrhyndeudraeth and enjoyed a well‑deserved meal at The Eating Gorilla - highly recommended if you’re ever nearby. It was busy though!
Summit 2 – Manod Mawr GW/NW‑035 (4 points)
With full bellies and spirits high, we set off for our second and final summit of the day: Manod Mawr. Compared to the morning’s adventure, this one felt positively gentle. No snow, a gradual ascent, and only about three‑quarters of a mile to the top. The route passed a working slate quarry (quiet on Saturdays), which fascinated Lyra, especially the huge slabs of slate she immediately wanted to take home for chalking. We promised “another time.”
The summit cairn offered shelter from the wind, and I began on 2m FM with the intention of moving to HF later. Ten stations made it into the log, including three S2S contacts. One of the highlights was working Dave G6AEK up in Lancaster - a cracking distance on VHF.
But the temperature was dropping fast, and HF conditions were reported to be poor. Gerald @MW0WML, activating Y Llethr GW/NW‑017 across the valley who was one of my S2S contacts, said on air, he had only managed a handful of HF contacts himself. With the family in mind, I made the sensible call to wrap up on VHF alone.
Heading Home
We descended with the last of the daylight fading, the kids still in great spirits after a full day of fresh air and adventure.
An hour or so later we were back at the BML residence, tired but happy.
A huge thank‑you to everyone who called in on either summit. It was great to catch Allan @GW4VPX, Gerald @MW0WML and Richard @G4TGJ, who worked me on both activations, its always nice when the same voices follow you across the hills. Apologies for skipping HF this time, but sometimes the mountain, and the family, dictate the plan.
Until next time, 73!
Ben
GW4BML/p
Is access open to the public?
- I must start to teach her the foundation licence!