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TOPTREKSFOR SUPER SCENERY

Outdoor experts at Blacks compiled their list of the country’s top walking routes – and Snowdonia’s Glyderau range made it into the top five

If you’re looking for somewhere new to hike, check out this recommendation from the walking and outdoor gear shop Blacks. Their experts are fl agging up the Glyderau mountain range in Snowdonia as a fantastic location for walkers. Smaller than the Carneddau, with only 11 peaks over 600m, the rocky range has multiple access points along the Ogwen Valley and also from the Llanberis Pass.

Phil, from Blacks, said: “My favourite place in the UK for a hike has to be the Snowdonia National Park. In particular, my go-to area is the Ogwen Valley in the north. This area is full of some of the best circular walks the UK has to o er, and also some fantastic ridge routes and scrambles.

“One of my favourites is a circular route of the Glyderau, an iconic mountain range featuring Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Castell y Gwynt and Glyder Fach. This circular trail o ers so much variation and unreal views across Snowdonia, in particular from Y Garn, where on a clear day you’re treated to 360-degree views.”

Glyderau and atmostpheric Llyn Idwal

Be prepared

If you’re new to hiking and keen on adventuring in Snowdonia, Phil had a few practical tips.

“Always have a plan B,” he advised. “If conditions have taken a turn once you arrive at the start, then a more manageable route should always be considered – perhaps a low-level walk of Llyn Idwal, a huge and atmospheric lake in the Ogwen Valley, or check out the forests around Betws-y-Coed.

“Next big thing I’d say is remember how many daylight hours you have. Make sure you arrive early enough and with a good idea of how long the route you’re planning is likely to take.

“Another aspect of hiking, important particularly during winter but in spring as well, is the layering system. First we have our base layer, which ideally will be a material that wicks away moisture – my favourite is a long-sleeve merino wool top. Then we have our mid layer, usually a warm and comfortable fl eece, and fi nally, our outer layer, usually a hard shell jacket to protect from the elements. The weather can be surprisingly changeable at this time of year. “Then you should consider your accessories – hat, gloves, spare socks and so on – even an insulated down coat in your bag in case you have to be stationary for a while in harsh conditions.

“The mountains are a stunning place all year round, so don’t just wait until summer to get the boots out. Get the kills and info you need, get out there and enjoy the stunning scenery that the UK has to o er.”

The sacred saddleback of Stapeley Hill rises from the moorland of Stapeley Common in south-west Shropshire. The nearest villages are Priest Weston in Powys and White Grit, which is part in England and part in Wales, so we are truly in Border country. It’s is a place of myth and mysteries, with an abundance of standing stones, stone circles and Bronze Age burial cairns, including two near the summit of Stapeley Hill. The England/Wales border cuts across the top of Corndon Hill – the steep climb to the summit rewards the e ort, and there is a welcoming seat to take in the spectacular views. Both hills are accessible from the Priest Weston/White Grit road – look for a track signposted ‘Stone circle’ at the top of a hill. There is a parking area at the end. To the south of Stapeley Hill you’ll fi nd Mitchell’s Fold stone circle, Legend holds that during a period of famine, a giant provided the villagers “Don’t just wait until with milk from a cow with an endless supply. When a witch cast a spell on the cow, the giant turned her to summer stone, and built to get the boots out” a stone circle around her to ensure she never escaped. The website

shropshires greatoutdoors.

co.uk has some interesting trail guides to download.

STAPELEY COMMON AND CORNDON HILL

CLIVE’S WALK

has some The view from Corndon Hill