Photo Journal
8th June // Alpine Flower Reconnaissance
Clogwyn Du'r Arddu // N53.0627 W-4.091
I've had one particular flower on my mind all spring: the Snowdon Lily. This elusive flower was first discovered here in Snowdonia, but despite being common in Europe, it has reduced in numbers so much here in the national park due to intensive sheep grazing, that it is one of the rarest flowers in the whole of the UK.
Having done some research, I was determined to go and find this elusive flower to add to my collection of macro photography shots.
I wanted to turn the expedition into a full-day event, so I took the Snowdon Ranger path and dropped down over the ridge just before the route ascended up towards Snowdon, and scrambled my way up towards Llyn Du'r Arddu. By the time I reached the base of Clogwyn Du'r Arddu (the cliffs overlooking the lake), I was tired. Constantly doubting my decision, I would scramble up the loose rock, only to turn back around deeming it too unsafe, and then go back up again after accepting that it was the only place the Lily would likely be.
Not the Snowdon Lily but a Mossy Saxifrage
Being conscious of the time, I had to halt my search early and make my way up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa for sunset, where I was treated to golden mist and a broken spectre.
Despite not finding the Lily, I would call this a success, and I'll be back in a few weeks, probably taking the easier path from Llanberis.
A Brocken Spectre, a natural phenomena when the sun is directly behind you and you’re facing cloud.