What an eventful day we have had today! The day started with birthday celebrations – balloons, presents and cards at breakfast along with a beautiful rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ by all of the Year 6 children.
After our hearty breakfasts, we split into two groups. One group took off to climb a mountain and the other group set off for a walk from Betys Y Coed to Swallow Falls.
After a short minibus journey, we visited Croesor – a small village at the bottom of Cnicht mountain. Mr Williams told us all about the old school in Croesor and explained why it is no longer a school. He invited us to take a dip in the freshwater swimming pool. Some of the children were ‘up for the challenge’ but we boring teachers didn’t think it was such a good idea.
The weather was perfect for our ascent – cloudy and mild – and the children skipped up like mountain goats. We all really enjoyed watching the farmer on his quad bike herding his sheep from field to field with his two sheepdogs obeying his whistles and calls. Mr Williams gave us lots of breaks on the way up where we learned about the history of slate mining and how man has changed the environment, the wildflowers and how sheep are farmed and kept.
Lunch was enjoyed right at the top of Cnicht. The view was amazing but the temperature had dropped dramatically with a cold wind so we quickly moved to the Rhosydd Slate Quarry which is at 1500ft above sea level. The stories continued and we learned about life for the miners who worked in the quarry. We had time to explore the abandoned miners’ housing before starting our descent.
The descent sped up to ensure we managed to catch the Ffestiniog Railway which brought us all the way back to the Plas. A leisurely stroll down to the lake was next where the children enjoyed their watercolour painting and the most amazing chocolate birthday cake.
The children worked up a huge appetite for their dinner tonight which was fish and chips and treacle sponge and custard. Scrumptious!