Peak 1 of 25 – Tryfan, Snowdonia | 22/02/2025

At 03:00 on a cold, wet, and windy Saturday morning, I left Worcester buzzing with anticipation. Despite the weather, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what lay ahead. Nearly two years ago, I underwent bariatric surgery—a life-changing decision that gave me a new lease on life. Now, I’m on a mission: 25 peaks in 2025, raising money for charity and hoping to inspire others to take that first step toward something better.

This first peak was a big one: Tryfan in Snowdonia National Park, a rugged and iconic mountain famous for its jagged silhouette and legendary summit stones, Adam and Eve.

A Change of Plan

I arrived at the North Ridge car park around 06:00, ready to take on the classic scramble route. But as soon as I stepped outside, reality hit. The wind howled, rain pelted down, and something inside me whispered, “Not today.” Rather than take unnecessary risks, I decided to play it safe. I drove around to the South Ridge car park—a safer, more sheltered route—and laced up my boots for a new plan.

Into the Wild

By 06:35, I was on the trail, the first light of dawn breaking through heavy clouds. The wind hadn’t let up, but the rain had eased. I switched on my GPS tracker, posted a quick update to my charity challenge followers, and started the climb.

The South Ridge route winds through a boulder-strewn valley beside the beautiful Llyn Bochlwyd. With waterfalls rushing beside me and peaks looming overhead, I paused often to soak it all in. These are the moments I hike for—the stillness, the raw beauty, the sense of being completely alive.

The Final Push

Eventually, I reached the steep stone wall that leads up to Tryfan’s summit. The final hour was a real scramble—hands, feet, and every ounce of concentration needed to navigate the jagged terrain. The climb demanded total focus as I pulled myself over massive rocks, feeling the wind rip across the open mountain face.

At one point, I faced a narrow gap between boulders I couldn’t squeeze through. The only option was to climb over—a ridge consisting of two enormous boulders roughly 8ft tall, 7ft wide, weighing easily 6 tonnes each. Crawling on hands and knees in 45mph gusts, I edged my way across.

The drop? About 30 metres.

Not exactly graceful, but I made it.

Adam & Eve

Near the summit stand two famous boulders: Adam and Eve. Legend says if you leap the 4ft gap between them, you’re granted the “freedom of Tryfan.” With the wind howling, I decided not to attempt it—sometimes bravery is knowing when not to push your luck.

Instead, I paused. Took in the view. And let it sink in that I’d completed the first of 25 peaks for my 2025 charity challenge. That moment? Pure satisfaction.

Descent & Reflection

The descent, though easier, was still a battle against the elements. At one point, I spotted a rescue helicopter hovering over the North Ridge. A climber was being winched up. I assumed it was a training exercise and carried on, eventually treating myself to a hot sausage roll and coffee at the café as a well-earned reward.

The next day, I found out the sobering truth: a 22-year-old girl had tragically fallen from the North Ridge and passed away. Her friends performed CPR while waiting for rescue, but she didn’t survive the 30-metre fall.

It was a chilling reminder of just how dangerous the mountains can be.

Lessons from the Mountain

This hike taught me more than just how to navigate a mountain in 45mph winds. It reminded me that safety always comes first. That turning back isn’t failure—it’s smart. And that every peak I reach isn’t just about the climb, but about how far I’ve come in life.

One peak down. 24 to go.