pen y pass

Starting along the Miners Track

We had the privilege to walk with a truly inspirational lady on Sunday 1st September up on Snowdon.  Now this lady ( lets call her Carolyn as that’s her name) was no ordinary lady, because just over 5 years ago she was involved in a serious road traffic collision which rendered her paralysed. The doctors told Carolyn she would never walk again!!!  But she had a dream since a child of climbing Snowdon, Wales’s highest mountain.  As we came to know Carolyn on the hill being told she never walk again made her even more determined. So in September of 2012 she set a goal of walking to the top of Snowdon and raise a sack full of money for a great charity which had helped Carolyn through some very low times – www.brake.org.uk

Time to chill

We first met on Facebook when a mutual friend Rich Vincent, a triathlon coach,  liked her Facebook group – I was so moved by Carolyn’s story I had to offer to share my skills as Mountain Leader and walk with them on the hill.  But unknown to me it was going to be the greatest experience I had ever had on a mountain, one I will treasure and never forget.  Over time I witnessed Carolyn start walking 2-3-9-11 miles over the course of 12 months and I could see she was determined to climb the hill. She had her doubts but deep down I knew she would do it 🙂

Climbing towards the Pyg Track

So an early Sunday morning  we find ourselves on Pen-y-Pass car park and along with Carolyn and 9 friends we start the walk along the Miners Track to the summit of Snowdon.  The weather was cloudy and dry, the clag was covering the summit.  We continued along the path, with Carolyn apologising because she was slow, myself and friend Rich told her she had to leave that word on the hill 🙂 All the way through the day Carolyn did not complain and after a nervous nights sleep was completely enjoying her self and the wonderful scenery. The scramble and steep climb up to join the Pyg track looked daunting to Carolyn – ‘just take one step at a time and you will make it’ She did even though she was in excruciating pain from the accident – she didn’t complain once a true testament.

To of the Pyg Track

After a while we topped out on the Pyg track, making regular stops along the way so Carolyn could take a breath and fight off the pain. The hill was busy today, 3 peaks, charity events, walkers, and day trippers coming up on the Snowdon Railway.  After a break by the monolith stone we continued the short way to the summit, the clouds parting for a few seconds to show Carolyn what the summit looked like and then returned.

Summit of Snowdon

After hugs, tears of joy, Carolyn stood on the top of Snowdon – her dream fulfilled and doubts smashed.  She had done it..!!!

Break in the clouds – Snowdon

After a short break from the wind and dampness we oped in to the summit cafe, then we started the long climb down the Llanberis path.  Again Carolyn did not complain once. Taking a few steps at a time we moved closer to completing a great day, passing the half way cafe we stopped for a few photos and Carolyn made a few calls and sent texts of exhilaration.

Llanberis Path – Done

The day was nearly completed and all that remained was the last climb back to to the camp site.  Carolyn was offered a lift and not surprisingly, refused gracefully. Just under 12 hours of walking we arrived back at the campsite – with one very, very happy Carolyn.  Demons berried, FEAR quashed and the doubters silenced.  She had done it !!!! and in the process raising over £1200 for a charity, which in many ways saved her life.

Carolyn asked me ‘ Is this the longest time I had been on Snowdon’  It was, but you know something,  it was and will be the most enjoyable time I’ll ever have on the mountains, and that takes something to beat.

Also we introduced Carolyn to the ‘Selfie‘

Seflie on Snowdon

A Great Day

One to remember

Darren 🙂