Techtip Thursday – send your location on Whatsapp!

Sending your location on WhatsApp is a great feature of WhatsApp and here’s how to do it. We use WhatsApp a lot when cycling, not only to track riders in real time but also to quickly locate and navigate to riders that need assistance.

The only difference on an iPhone or on IOS is the paperclip symbol is a cross, not a paperclip.

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Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), standing proudly as the highest peak in Wales, is a majestic mountain revered by outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a challenge or a nature enthusiast craving breathtaking views, scaling Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri / Snowdonia National Park is an experience like no other. With five main routes offering diverse landscapes and levels of difficulty, each ascent presents a unique adventure. Let’s embark on a journey to explore these routes and discover the magic of climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).

1. Llanberis Path

As the most popular route, the Llanberis Path provides a gentle ascent, making it ideal for beginners and families. Starting from the picturesque village of Llanberis, this path gradually winds its way up the mountain, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and lakes. Along the way, hikers pass landmarks such as the Halfway House and Clogwyn Station, where the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Mountain Railway operates. The steady incline and well-defined path make the Llanberis route accessible year-round, attracting a large number of climbers seeking a memorable journey to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)’s summit.

2. Pyg Track

For those craving a more adventurous climb, the Pyg Track presents a thrilling alternative. Beginning near the Pen y Pass car park, this route traverses rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Horseshoe and the glacial valley below. Named after the Welsh word “pyg” meaning pitch, the path climbs steeply through scree slopes and rocky outcrops, providing a challenging yet rewarding ascent. Hikers can pause at Bwlch y Moch to admire the breathtaking scenery before continuing their ascent to join the Llanberis Path near the summit.

3. Miners’ Track

Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the Miners’ Track offers a captivating journey up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)’s slopes. Originating from the same starting point as the Pyg Track, this route follows an old miners’ path used during the heyday of copper mining in the area. Traversing past serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, climbers are treated to a tapestry of landscapes that epitomise Snowdonia/Eryri‘s rugged charm. While slightly less demanding than the Pyg Track, the Miners’ Track still presents challenges, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making preparedness essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.

4. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Ranger Path

For those seeking solitude and tranquillity amidst Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)’s grandeur, the Ranger Path offers a less frequented but equally enchanting route to the summit. Beginning near the shores of Llyn Cwellyn, this path meanders through heather-clad slopes and ancient woodlands, providing glimpses of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park’s diverse ecosystems. While arguably less strenuous than some of the other routes, the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Ranger Path still requires perseverance, especially as it steepens towards the summit. However, the sense of solitude and the uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness make this ascent a truly immersive experience.

5. Watkin Path

Renowned as one of the most challenging routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the Watkin Path beckons seasoned hikers with its rugged terrain and unparalleled vistas. Starting near the village of Nant Gwynant, this trail ascends relentlessly through oak forests and rocky ridges, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs along the way. As climbers approach the summit, the terrain becomes increasingly demanding, culminating in a final scramble to the top. Despite its difficulty, the Watkin Path rewards intrepid adventurers with a profound sense of accomplishment and unparalleled views stretching across Eryri / Snowdonia National Park and beyond.

Conclusion

Climbing Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa is a rite of passage for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of routes that cater to all skill levels and preferences. Whether you opt for the gentler ascent of the Llanberis Path or the rugged challenge of the Watkin Path, each route promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Wales. So, lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and embark on an adventure to conquer Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where every step brings you closer to the summit and the spectacular vistas that await. For a guided climb, check out our trip here.

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You will need a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, extra warm layer (jumper/fleece), warm hat and a warm pair of gloves in your mountain rucksack regardless of the forecast. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, it can always be cold on the summit of a mountain and we need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

We recommend our partner Cotswold Outdoor for outdoor equipment. 

	Rucksack – Needs to be around 30 litres in capacity so that you can get all your spare kit, water, food, hats, gloves etc in. This is the rucksack that you will wear when on the mountain, so it must be comfortable and preferably with padded shoulder straps and waist belt. Rucksacks aren’t waterproof so make sure you have a rucksack liner or multiple waterproof bags for waterproofing your kit.
	Waterproof walking boots or shoes – Walking boots or walking shoes. If you’re happy in trainers then that’s fine but they must be sturdy and waterproof. If you want more support in rough ground then walking boots are better. Please ensure you have worn the boots in and tested them out before the trip begins to prevent blisters.
	Waterproof jacket with a hood – Hardshell type waterproof jacket (not Softshell ski jacket). There are plenty of brands available, seams should be taped and you must have a hood.
	Waterproof trousers – Waterproof over trousers; try to get ones with a side zip to make putting them on over boots easier.
	Headtorch – A good quality head torch and spare batteries are essential.
	Sunglasses – Sunglasses should be packed – fingers crossed it will be sunny.
	Sunhat – a wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears and neck is best.
	Suncream – Good quality suncream that has a high UV protection rating. Lip balm with sun protection is also a great thing to have.
	Woolly hat – A warm and comfortable hat.
	Gloves – Two pairs of gloves – one thick pair and one thin pair.
	Thick walking socks – Try Thorlo or Smartwool walking sock brands. Wearing two thin pairs works for some people. Try out your boots and socks before turning up on the trip to prevent blisters.
	Baselayer – Wicking base layer. This is worn next to the skin and should not be cotton. Smartwool, Helly Hansen, Icebreaker, Paramo etc.
	Fleece – A midweight long sleeved fleece is a must for extra warmth. Again, avoid cotton.
	Trousers – Generic walking trousers, no jeans or heavy tracksuit bottoms.
	First aid kit & personal medicine – A small personal first aid kit. Blister patches are a good thing to carry too. The leader will be carrying a group first aid kit.
	Water bottles and/or flask – Carrying enough water in the mountains is essential. A water bottle for cold water and a flask for a hot drink is the best setup on colder days. Carrying three litres in total is the minimum required.
	Phone/camera – A good quality camera is very important to snap those moments. A phone these days works just as well but consider keeping it waterproof in a ziplock or phone bag and ensure it has enough battery.
	Waterproof bags – Waterproof bags or stuff sacks are very useful for keeping things dry and organised. Ziplock bags or rubble sacks are excellent choices.
	Walking poles – Some people like to use walking poles. They can make walking on rough terrain easier, particularly going downhill.

If you’d like further information about climbing Snowdon or would like to hire a guide to ensure your safety and enjoyment, please get in touch below:

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But what could go wrong?

The list of things that could go wrong with a bicycle is seemingly endless, with so many moving parts and numerous components to wear out and fail. However, in my many years of guiding hundreds of people throughout the world, I’ve found that there are a few essential items that can get you out of most of the more common issues. Almost all of them are relatively inexpensive and don’t weigh a great deal.

• Pump. The lighter the better. I prefer ones with a flexible hose (not the technical name) to avoid bending or damaging the valve. Check out this one.

• Tyre levers. These vary hugely in quality. My preferred brand is Park Tools and I always carry two, here they are.

• Multitool. These are not all equal. At my last count I own six multitools that I’ve accrued over the years, some now don’t get much use, others are favourites. It’s definitely worth checking your multitool to see if it can do what you want it to do. A classic example are torx (or star) ended wrenches. If you discover mid ride that your bike has these and you don’t have them on your multitool, it can be a day-ender. This one from Topeak is great.

• Inner tubes. I ride with two inner tubes. Even if you have tubeless (a debate we won’t get into here) you’ll need to carry at least one.

• Emergency inner tube patch. These are for when you’ve used both your inner tubes (trust me it can happen) and allow you to temporarily fix a puncture without messy glue and faff. Get them here.

• Emergency tyre boot. When a tyre fails and develops a larger hole, this forms a barrier to prevent the inner tube from ballooning out of the tyre. Usually a temporary fix but essential to get you home. Get them here.

• Chainlink remover. Some multitools have a chainlink remover included but I’ve yet to find one I 100% trust so I carry a lightweight one.

• Speedlink. This makes a broken chain far more convenient. Check that your speedlink is compatible with your chain (based upon the brand and the number of gears you have). Find one here.

• Derailleur hanger. This is the piece of metal that connects your rear derailleur to your frame. If you fall off your bike or even if it accidentally falls over, there’s a chance you could bend this piece of metal which can be catastrophic. If gone unnoticed, this could cause your derailleur to end up in your spokes which makes a big (and expensive) mess. These hangers are bike-specific so even if you visit a bike shop there’s a big chance they won’t be able to help. They weigh next to nothing and are tiny so I carry mine with me everywhere.

• Lights. Even if it’s a bright sunny day I will ride with at least a rear light. Anything at all to improve your visibility on the road and warn drivers of your presence is justifiable weight in my opinion. Here are some.

• Cable ties. Just a few small cable ties are fine, they can get you out of a surprising number of problems.

• Gaffa tape. Not a whole roll, I have about a metre length wrapped around an old credit card. Again, takes up virtually no space and can be a lifesaver for fixing things (and body parts!).

• Spare gear cable. Unplanned riding in one gear is no joke. Weighs next to nothing and takes up very little space. 

• Small zip lock bag. If you get caught out in the rain then a small zip lock bag can be useful to pop your phone in.

Believe it or not, it is possible to cram all of the above (except the lights) into a small saddle bag.

What to add for longer rides

For longer more remote rides I’d also consider taking the following:

• Leatherman multitool. This may seem excessive but these really are a useful bit of kit. The pliers are particularly useful for managing cables. I have this one. 

• Spare spoke. These are wheel-specific so you’ll need to contact your bicycle shop. You’ll also need a spoke tool for this, many are included on good multitools so it’s worth checking.

• Small first aid kit. Ensure to include some large self-adhesive patches and antibacterial wipes for larger cuts and abrasions. Tubigrip and physio/kinesiology tape are also very useful for keeping dressings where you want them to be.

• Portable battery. If you’re relying upon technology for navigation and emergency use then you’ll want to avoid dead batteries. This extremely portable battery from Anker gives my phone a full charge. I also have a super short USB cable like these for this very purpose.

I hope the above helps you to avoid sticky roadside situations!

Do you carry anything different? What would you change? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

Want to learn more about how to use it all?

If you’re interested in learning more about all of the items above and how to use them, we’re going to be publishing brand new videos on YouTube about exactly that in the coming months. Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube Channel here to get the latest updates.

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Despite the fact that many bicycle production companies do not publish their carbon footprint date, it is estimated that the production and shipping associated with an average bicycle produces 530 pounds (240 kilograms) of CO2 emissions. This is roughly 75 times less than the production of a car. However, this does not paint the whole picture. When compared to car travel (assuming you’re replacing car travel with bike travel), there’s also a reduction in road surface degradation and minimal ongoing pollution in the favour of bicycle travel.

That’s not to say that bicycles are of course maintenance free. New inner tubes, tyres, brake pads, oil and cables all cost the earth. However it’s estimated that the environmental cost of these over a number of years equates to less than one-sixteenth of the demands of a car.

Enter secondhand bicycles

The secondhand bicycle market has blossomed over the last few years, partly because of the hindered availability of new bikes on the market. But, if you’ve ever ventured into the world of buying secondhand bikes, it can be a daunting prospect and, as with any secondhand purchase, being absolutely sure of what you’re buying is essential.

Many companies have jumped onto the secondhand bandwagon as consumer attitudes change towards pre-used items. Admittedly with bicycles there are inherent risks and you’ve got to be confident you know what to look for when forking out cash for an item you have limited historical knowledge. One crash on a bike can render it extremely problematic at best, or worse a health hazard.

Luckily some companies have responded, one of the first being Decathlon who have launched a ‘Second Life’ website selling refurbished bikes. They hope to save 40,000kg of CO2 in 12 months while also making bikes available at more affordable prices.

This sounds like a win-win for everyone! Reducing the carbon footprint of production and transport, providing competitively priced bikes, offering assurance to consumers, and preventing bikes from going to landfill.

We hope to see more of this movement in coming years and feel it’s definitely a sector to keep an eye on.

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It’s not going to win any health awards, but if you’re looking for high energy, high calorie snack with slow-release benefit of oats in addition to some protein packed nuts, then look no further. 

Ingredients

• 250 g unsalted butter , plus extra for greasing
• 250 g soft light brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons runny honey
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 100 g mixed nuts , such as hazelnuts and pistachios
• 150 g mixed dried fruit , such as cranberries, apricots and figs
• 350 g rolled porridge oats

Method

• Preheat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF/gas 2. Grease and line a rectangular cake tin (roughly 20cm x 30cm).
• Place the butter, sugar, honey and salt in a medium pan over a low heat, then allow the butter to melt, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, roughly chop the nuts and any larger dried fruit, then stir them into the pan along with the oats.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin, smoothing it out into an even layer. Place in the hot oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Leave to cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.

Once it’s cooled we like to cut into 6cm x 6cm squares and place in ziplock bags. We store ours in the freezer to avoid eating the whole batch in one go!

This recipe has been taken from Jamie Oliver’s excellent website.

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/ultimate-flapjacks/

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After several years of almost exclusively running cycling events, we’ve decided that we’re going to also offer trekking and mountaineering trips too! We’re currently designing several trips throughout the UK and beyond, from the wilds of Wales, to the picturesque Picos of Northern Spain, to the magnificent Himalayas.

You may be interested to learn that trekking and mountaineering trips were where More Adventure began, and our roots are firmly planted in mountainous adventures on two feet!

This is not to say that we’ll be stopping cycling trips, far from it! We’re constantly updated and expanding our range of cycling trips and have some super-exciting new destinations on two wheels too!

So if you’ve ever dreamed of trekking through the Scottish wilderness or climbing Mont Blanc, watch this space or get in touch.

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Find out more by checking out the video below:

You can find out more about what Lael’s up to on her personal website here: https://laelwilcox.com/

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Choosing to tour on my racing bike had definite benefits, but the most important one – it would be lighter. The downside of course, it is certainly not as strong as my touring bike, so I would need to pack extremely light. One way of packing extremely light of course, is to limit your baggage.

In comes the Ortlieb Classic Large Saddle Bag. With 2.7 litres of space, waterproof roll-down closure and handy clip-on mounting system, this was looking like the best option already. I own other Ortlieb drybags, panniers and mapcases, and have always been more than happy with their build quality and have come to expect a certain standard of product. My first impressions did not disappoint and I felt confident in the bag from the outset. I was however slightly disappointed with how small the bag seemed. Trying to see a positive out of a negative, I only hoped this would force me to carry less!

So to test it out…where better than one of the wettest and wildest parts of the UK – West Wales! My cycling partner Danny had also purchased on of the bags and we’d planned a route that would cross the south of Wales, skirting both the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park.

The weather forecast….shocking. Ordinarily, this would be a bad thing, but I needed to really test the bag out, in all weathers. I’m somewhat of a cynic when it comes to outdoor gear reviews, especially when someone is advising me on a waterproof jacket to buy as result of one day’s (or even just a couple of hours) outing in slightly inclement weather. So good…it was set to be miserable.

In addition to the saddle bag, i also had a Deuter triangular frame bag and small dry bag which would be attached around my stem. Inside, I’d whittled my luggage down to the following choice items: fleece, base layer (for riding), t-shirt, collared shirt, trousers, waterproof jacket, windproof gilet, buff, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, USB charger & 2 leads, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of boxers, a sunstick, clippers, a multitool, inner tube, small bottle of bike oil, zip ties, gear cable, tyre levers, gaffa tape, and front & back lights. In addition to this, I would be wearing a pair of cycling shorts, a cycling jersey, gloves, cycling shoes, helmet and sunglasses. In my saddle bag I managed to fit my fleece, tshirt, long sleeved base layer, hair clippers, underwear and trousers. The rest was carried elsewhere but I was safe in the knowledge that these items would stay dry for the end of the day!

So the test. We cycled for three days in some of the worst rain I have seen. Each day we covered around 80 miles through the heart of Wales from Newport to Fishguard. We stayed in a youth hostel and a small guesthouse en route. Upon arriving at both establishments, we were greeted with that look of, “What the hell are you doing?” We struggled to answer their pity.

But I gave the saddle bag a run for its’ money. It sort of doubled up as a rear mudguard too, protecting my behind from the lashings of water and grit flung up from the road. Astounded, every time I opened it I found everything in there to be totally dry.

So my only criticism of the saddle bag…well I have two. Firstly, I wish it was just a tiny wee bit bigger. I think it’s perfect for putting clothes in for a short bikepacking trip, but even after trimming my clothing right down, I could have done with an extra litre, just to make packing it that bit easier, and having that extra bit of fabric to ‘roll-down’ when closing it. The second criticism is the attachments. The Velcro strap that attaches to your seat post is too weak and I would find myself having to refasten it a few times each day. I actually wrapped a bungee around the saddle bag and attached it to my seat as an extra security measure. This meant I could also strap on my flip-flops to the outside.

I definitely recommend the Ortlieb Saddle Bag as it has the design and build quality I’ve come to expect from the German outdoor manufacturer. As an overnight bikepacking bag (in addition to a couple of other cleverly placed bags), it is excellent, and I was confident in it for keeping my kit dry in awful weather.

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As an IML/Nordic Walking Instructor and someone who works in the outdoors leading groups in the UK and overseas throughout the year, in addition to my own adventures, I always carry safety equipment as part of my standard rucksack contents (I work on the principle that wherever possible everything in my bag should have more than one use).  In particular, I always carry a ‘group shelter’, whether a large one capable of sheltering a group or a small one for myself and perhaps one other.

In essence, they are large windproof bags, often referred to as ‘group shelter’, ‘kissoo’, ‘bothy shelter’, ‘big hankerchief thingy’; and, you may have seen green, ones, red ones, yellow ones, orange ones; however, regardless of their name and colour the added benefits are unquestionable and should form part of any groups safety kit.

Practically, this piece of kit has so many uses.  A few years ago I was involved in an emergency in the Lakes, in which a young man had twisted his knee in Priests Hole Cave, I used a couple of shelters in this instance; one to keep the injured guy warm, one we laid out and using stones created a visual marker for the approaching Mountain Rescue Team and one for the remainder of the group.

Equally, I use it for clients to sit on when enjoying a mountain view during a lunch break, or as was experienced this winter to shelter my Nordic Walking group from the icy elements on a windswept Pen Y Fan, whilst they donned layers and ate lunch.  In the reverse situation, I have used it to shelter groups from glaring sunshine and midday heat.

I’ve seen it used by open canoeists in a sail format, and as a makeshift tent; it can be used in conjunction with other rucksack kit to create a stretcher, a particular favourite of mine when teaching young people the importance of self-reliance and how to maximise what kit they have on the hill.

Used correctly in an emergency situation it can be a lifesaving device; an injured casualty placed in a shelter will not only be kept out of the wind and the effects of wind chill, their core temperature will inevitably benefit and a feeling of safety and security experienced, particularly used in conjunction with a ‘survival bag’ and someone who knows what they are doing!

The cost of this piece of kit varies depending on size and manufacturer; but it should last a lifetime if looked after properly.  I’ve been in a few over the years that have been unfurled having been left in the bag after a wet day in the hills, they don’t smell particularly pleasant, so dry it out and if possible, leave it to air.  They are so easy to use (in shelter mode), and great fun for kids (and adults) to practice with, and use with confidence when required.

So why not get yourself one? A ‘group shelter’ is a great piece of kit that fulfills so many uses and definitely ticks the ‘multiple uses’ box – how many uses can you find?

Steve Ellis is an International Mountain Leader, Personal Trainer, Nordic Walking Instructor, and formally a Lecturer in Outdoor Education. He runs Gemini Outdoor Adventure Ltd, based in Malmesbury on the edge of the Cotswolds. Combining the outdoors and fitness, Steve uses his skills and experience to the benefit of those wanting to get fit through Nordic Walking & Personal Training and experience the mountains of the UK and overseas in all their glory.  He is also a ‘DofE Approved Activity Provider’; runs ‘navigation courses’ and ‘hut-to-hut trekking trips’ in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Steve can be contacted at www.GeminiOutdoorAdventure.co.uk

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