Officers take on Snowdonia challenge for charity

Officers go to extreme heights for charity

Five officers, fifteen 3,000ft mountains, 2 days

Mountain: Snowdonia

Date: 8-9 September 2007

Alistair Seddon, Andy Philp, Brendan Byrne and Martin Colligan from City of London Police, joined by John Luck from Herts Police set off to climb as many of Snowdonia’s highest peaks as possible in 48 hours.

The purpose of the trip was to raise money for three charities that have contributed to the City of London Police officer training programme. These include Leonard Cheshire Homes Randall Close Centre, Spitalfields Crypt Trust, and the Furzedown project.

Day 1

Starting out bright and early from their base in Bethesda, the team set off to climb their first peak, Tryfan (3002ft). It was a tough start with scrambling replacing walking for large parts of the trek up the mountain’s North face. 

Having successfully completed Tryfan, the team descended back down into the valley and onto the first mountain of the Carneddau range, Pen Yr Ole Wen (3208ft). The ascent up the 45-degree slope proved little easier than their first summit. The Carneddau are the second highest range in Snowdonia are arguably the most difficult to navigate. The mist descended to leave the mountaineers with only 25 metres visibility, making navigation very difficult.

From Pen Yr Ole Wen the team made their way along the ridge taking in the summits of Carnedd Daffydd (3452ft), Carnedd Llewelyn (3490), Foel Grach (3202) and Garnedd Uchaf (3038) before being forced to make their way back to base due to fading light.

Day 2

The officers could afford little sleep, as another early start was vital if they were to climb as many peaks as possible in their final day. They started with Snowdon - the highest peak in Snowdonia standing at an imposing 3,560 feet high - tackling the mountain via the Crib Goch, a steep arête to the summit.

From Snowdon the team made their way down to Pen Y Pas, where Martin Colligan and John Luck set off on their own to tackle the final range of the Glyders. They reached the peaks of Glyder Fawr (3277) and Glyder Fach (3261), but battling against fading light and low visibility they were unable to complete the range.

The team completed 11 of the 15 peaks - a gallant effort to say the least - and in doing so have been pledged nearly £2,500 with more money on its way. Their thanks go to all who have been generous with their support for the venture and look forward to putting themselves through it all again next year.