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Looking back down the ascent ridge of Route A3 towards Gerlan and the Menai Straits

Height gained on this gentle ridge, gradually accumulated over the preceding minutes without obvious effort, suddenly translates itself into the depth of a huge bowl which is confronted at a turn in the ridge. Far below, rising up from deep within the central well, is the Llech Ddu Spur, reflecting light from its crest like a gold comb. The cliff which supports it stands subdued at its base, dark against the mottled grass of the basin floor. At the far side of the cwm, partly hidden by the spur, are ranged the dismal tiers of Ysgolion Duon – the Black Ladders; while at the nearer curve are grouped dozens of smaller cliffs, few of them explored much beyond this and other simple surveys from the rim.

There is more to do now. A steep and curving ascent around the lip – easy at first but then more awkwardly over lichenous boulders – is slow to close the gap to Carnedd Dafydd. The bowl must be even bigger than it seemed.But eventually there comes the summit cone of stones, a sense of approach, and with that a promise of views towards the main peaks of the Glyders. But Dafydd is deep within the Carneddau: the views that way are disappointing. In recompense there is a retrospect of the ridge just climbed; dramatically lit in the slant rays of late afternoon, it appears as a gigantic tail laid out by a sunning lizard.