Yet more stupid and dangerous activities

This is what my guidebook to Snowdonia had to say about Bristly Ridge, "Bristly Ridge is one of Snowdonia's most feared ridges and once you've done it you'll have ever been scared senseless on its knife edge pinnacles and difficult climbs..."

The guide then goes on to reasonably advise that "If you decide you cannot handle the ridge due to inexperience, fear or bad weather then simply cross the stile and turn right up a steep but clear path that will lead to the summit plateau of Glyder Fach."

Of course me and my walking partner, Jha, wouldn't be caught dead pulling out of anything due to fear or inexperience (although we'd never been rock climbing before) especially when we'd seen others attempting it. So we went ahead and attempted to climb the ridge. We soon realised that we would face major disadvantages compared to our climbing companians- namely, the lack of ropes, helmets or any sort of climbing gear, having our full camping gear on our backs and the absence of climbing shoes (we helpfully had big, stiff walking boots). However, by this time there was no turning back and the subsequent 90 minute climb took me within half an inch of death (literally, I lost my footing and all that connected me to the rock was 3 fingers in a gravelly crevice), had me paralysed with fear and admitting my shortcomings (those who know me will attest to how rarely this happens).

I came home and described the experience to my flatmate who simply asked, "Why do people do these things man?" The answer's simple really, "to feel human".

Photographs here.