The popular Ogwen Mountaineering festival makes a return in 2017 to cement its place in the calendar of the mountaineering world.
Surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Carneddau and Glyderau, one could say it is the perfect setting for such an event!
The founder of the festival is Stephen Jones, a local mountaineer and owner of Anelu Aim Higher, a local outdoor activity company, based in the Ogwen Valley. His enthusiasm and passion towards the mountains are clear to see and the success of the Festival in 2016 has spurred him on to expand this year’s event to two days.
The Friday, September 15, consists of visits to four local primary schools in the Ogwen Valley with amputee surfer and motivational speaker Llywelyn Williams. He was left fighting for his life after being hit by a car as he was skateboarding home from a friend’s house. He suffered serious injuries but has recovered to become a well-known and accomplished surfer. The hope is to inspire the younger generation to get out and be active.
On Friday evening, Alan Hinkes, the only Briton to have climbed all 8000m peaks will be speaking. His down to earth accounts and remarkable photographs, successes and near misses will all form part of a not to be missed evening lecture. Alan will also be part of Saturday’s activities.
Saturday, September 16, will commence with FREE climbing workshops from members of AMI (Association of Mountaineering Instructors).
A perfect opportunity to ask questions and get practical solutions to any climbing puzzles you may have. You may have a question about the best climbs in a part of the UK or perhaps are thinking about taking your first steps into the exciting world of outdoor climbing.
Alongside the climbing workshop will be V12 Outdoor, a reputable outdoor retailer as well as DMM Climbing who will be showcasing their “DMM Mountain”.
A mountaineering themed coffee morning will be held in the main venue, Neuadd Ogwen. This will be a platform for outdoor related businesses from the local area to showcase their wares and information and also to interact with visitors.
DMM, the climbing equipment manufacturer, will be there to demonstrate and explain the design and technology behind their world renowned climbing equipment, Crib Goch Outdoor World, the festival’s primary sponsor will be showcasing and selling their outdoor wares with many leading brands and also the new products they have available.
The Snowdonia Society will be there to highlight how they protect and campaign for the fantastic area that is Snowdonia. Outdoor Partnership, Zip World, MT Cymru (Mountain Training ), Clwb Mynydda Cymru as well as others will be present at the coffee morning to offer any advice, guidance or information. Refreshments will be on sale as well as local cakes and produce.
The Saturday afternoon consists of two Welsh language lectures. Both of these have FULL translation facilities.The first is by Ben Stammers from the North Wales Wildlife Trust.
He will be speaking about his passion for the nature and wildlife that surrounds us in Snowdonia as well as projects that he has worked on.
The headline speaker on Saturday afternoon is Lowri Morgan. Lowri Morgan is a BAFTA and multi award winning television presenter and World Class Ultra endurance marathon runner, having raced in some of the most extreme races in the world.
Lowri is one of only six people to ever complete one of the notoriously difficult 350-mile non-stop footrace – 6633 Ultra in the Arctic. Known also as an Adventurer – sky-diving from planes, skiing some of the toughest mountains and scuba-diving in dangerous waters.
Following her achievements, she attended a private reception with the Queen for acknowledgement of services to adventure and exploration and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship and Master Degree from Swansea University.
Nigel Shepherd, Mountain Guide and author will present his lecture on Saturday evening. A respected, knowledgeable and experienced mountaineer, Nigel’s lecture will include tales of his experiences guiding, coaching and instructing clients across many parts of the world. A fitting way to close the 2017 Ogwen Mountaineering Festival
A central part of the festival will be the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team. The team members will be present throughout the festival to inform people about what they do and hopefully raise some money so that they can continue to provide a worthwhile service for people in need.
The whole event is not only an opportunity for people who already have an interest in the world of mountaineering and the outdoors but also for those who wish to find out more and to learn about the unique landscape which we live in and that attracts millions of visitors every year!
There is a warm welcome for all at the Ogwen Mountaineering Festival. Beginner and expert alike there is something for everyone.
Tickets to this event are available to buy at www.neuaddogwen.com
- Ticket prices: –
Weekend Ticket: ALAN HINKES + LOWRI MORGAN + NIGEL SHEPHERD £30.00 - Saturday Ticket: LOWRI MORGAN + NIGEL SHEPHERD £20.00
- Saturday Night: NIGEL SHEPHERD £13.00
- Friday Night: ALAN HINKES OBE £13.00
- Saturday Afternoon: LOWRI MORGAN £13.00.
Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda, LL57 3AN
Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, 2017www.ogwenmountaineeringfestival.co.uk
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