Scrambling and GPS Navigation, Llanberis, Wales. June 2008

The aim of this training was to give our retail staff some ‘hands on’ experience with the Garmin GPS units which we sell.

The training began with everyone given instructions to meet at Nant Perris in the Llanberis pass on Monday night. When we arrive we met up with our guides and trainers for the next 2 days Brian Molyneux and Nigel Shepherd. Then we were given the outline of the plan for the training which involved summiting 2 of the 15 peaks along the Snowdon horseshoe. Tryfan and Crib Goch.

After a meal at the nearby Vaynol arms. We were then left to our own devices for the evening, so we decided to pay a visit to the near by Cromlech boulders as the weather was perfect for climbing/bouldering.

The training began at 9am on Tuesday with a brief run through of the GPS receiver units that we were to be testing with Nigel. He explained the differences between the receivers we used and their capabilities. He also gave us the benefits of his experience with them in his long career as a professional IFMGA Mountain Guide. Among the units we tested were the Garmin Etrex Venture Cx, The GPS 60 CSX and also the new flagship model the Colorado 300.

So we all piled into various vehicles for the short journey to the foot of Tryfan. With our kit for the day comprising of waterproofs, first aid kit, ropes harness and helmets and of course the all important packed lunch.

I was particularly keen to try scrambling as I have had a fair amount of experience in the mountains either hiking with the scouts or rock climbing with friends, but never tried scrambling before. It’s safe to say that there aren’t many better places to start than Tryfan. The weather was absolutely perfect to be in the mountains, it was slightly cloudy in the morning but as the day grew longer the clouds burned off, so we had plenty of chances to take in the view. As you can see from the pictures. So with My Suunto Vector properly calibrated and my Gregory Z55 packed with all the essentials I headed off with the group. The route that we took had us heading up Heather terrace on Tryfan which was a fairly easy walk in before we kitted up to be roped together for the scramble. At around 3 o’clock we reached the summit of Tryfan with is famous natural rock formation (2 boulders known as Adam and Eve) that some of the more daring among us did a leap of faith between. We were treated to arguably some off the best views In the UK.

The second day of training saw us take a short journey down the Llanberis pass to the foot of Crib Goch. (Another of the Welsh 3000). After the previous days blazing sunshine (and copious amounts of sun burn) it was a welcome change in the weather as it was again slightly over cast but the cloud appeared to be staying for the day. The scramble up Crib Goch was a less gruelling ascent, thus meaning that we were ‘travelling light’ without having to be roped together. Again we took the GPS receiver units with us to test out the altimeter, compass and other functions of the units. From the car park in Llanberis pass we ascended to the ‘knife edge’ ridge on Crib Goch. This, as we quickly discovered, was very aptly named as in parts it is barely more that 4 feet wide on the apex and is also quite exposed as well. So when the wind comes whistling down the valley it certainly makes you feel at the mercy of the elements. I found this part of the scramble the most challenging as I had to deal with my poor head for heights as well as the strong wind that was blowing in from the valley. But when I got to the other side of the ridge I felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
I’d Like to thank Garmin for the loan of the GPS Receivers that we were using and all the staff that attended for making it a great weekend.

Also a special thanks to Brian and Nigel for organising the training and being our guide for the training session.

Photos © James Steele & Jono Fong