n reply to Goggie:
> (In reply to johncoxmysteriously)
> I went to Darker Anger in 1995 and couldn't find the start. We had half a dozen attempts following various features that fitted the guidebook description and got nowhere. I was pretty steady on mountain E4's at the time but couldn't find a way onto the main pitches.
>
> I've heard the best approach is to abb in from the top, but that seemed like a bit of a waste of time.
>
> Has anyone found the start?
Yes. We found the start virtually straight away. The lower pitches aren't particularly hard but are well worth doing IMO. Abseiling in and just doing the top pitches is definitely a cop out. Unfortunately, Darker Angel would be wet at the moment, as would most of the mountain routes in Meirionnydd. :¬(
However, if we ever get any real dry weather again this year, here's a personal Meirionnydd HVS-E2 hit list (personal as in I've done them!) Apologies for repeating some of the good recommendations already made, but I reckon there's a fair few weekends' worth of adventures to be had here. (BTW, all are starred routes; esoteric little gems not included):
CWM CYWARCH
Beggars Banquet HVS
Dream Racer E2
The Overlap E2
Sweet Baby James HVS
Shade of Pale E1
Acheron HVS
Plankwalk HVS
Keelhaul E1
GIST DDU
The Scarecrow E1
Moai Man E1
Scimitar HVS
Deadline E1
Sloose HVS
Aardvark HVS
Voie Suisse E1
CADAIR IDRIS
Then There Were Five E2
Gwydrin E1
Pusher Man Variation HVS
Darker Angel E2
Ice Man HVS
Girdle Traverse of Craig Cwm Rhwyddfor E1
CRAIG YR ADERYN
Daisy Belle E1
The Bolero HVS
CRAIG Y MERCHED
Magic Mushroom E1
The Haw Lantern E2
Vermillion Wash E1
ARENNIG FAWR
Gyllion HVS
Madryn E1
Emperor's New Toes HVS (The route on the guide's front cover - definitely a real 'sandbag' at VS!)
CRAIG RHIWARTH
Wingeing Pom E1
Rose Corner HVS
Cheshire Cat E2
Tanat HVS
The Hud E1
MOELWYNION
Igam Ogam E1
Mean Feat HVS
Vestix HVS
Space Below My Feet HVS
Condor E1
Flake Wall HVS
CARREG ALLTREM
Fratricide Wall HVS
Enjoy ... and don't forget to pack the towel - and trowel!! ;¬)
Dave