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Post by dewi on Jun 2, 2007 23:25:01 GMT -1
I was idly searching the web for myths attached to specific places in Wales, and came across one guy's story of spending the night on top of Cader Idris. According to legend, if you spend the night up there, you end up either mad, dead, or a poet.
First of all ... any of you ever tried it? I've climbed it twice in my lifetime, but from what I remember, it is pretty inhospitable - very open and windy (perhaps that's the challenge). I seem to remember Arthur Pendragon spending the night up there, but that may have been a different mountain.
Second of all ... if I were to attempt it, what would I need to consider. I don't want to go breaking any bylaws (there's a story I could tell you about some idiots spending a night in a certain legally restricted park in London - but I'll save that for another thread). I'd also want to consider safety (so I won't be pitching my tent right by the cliff's edge).
Any thoughts or comments (apart from "you crazy f***er" :-) ) gratefully received.
Dewi.
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Post by littleraven on Jun 3, 2007 8:08:48 GMT -1
There are no reasons why you shouldn't do it if you want to.
But I will say that the initiatory practices involved in the origins of this lore will literally kill you, not some neo-pagan "ah well, death really means change" Taroistic nonsense. A night in a tent generally won't if you're reasonably well prepared. So you have to ask if the reason you are doing it *actually* has any relevance to the actual lore. If so, then good luck. If not, then you are wasting your time.
Incidentally, a few years ago a Buddhist did this, and they were spotted by some walkers who promptly phoned Mountain Rescue on their mobile. Cue helicopter hovering over rudely disturbed, pissed off ex-meditating Buddhist refusing to get into helicopter.
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Post by Craig on Jun 3, 2007 8:44:05 GMT -1
OK Dewi, As I write this I am looking out of my mum's front window at the whole majesty of that grim old b*gger. I have overnighted on Cader seven times, three times alone so yes - I am mad, so here's some advice: 1. Go to the Tourist Information in Dolgellau (just off Eldon Square) and ask about the latest information on the mountain. 2. Tell them when you are going up and when you intend to come down. 3. Check that there is absolutely no chance of rain. 4. Do not set up on the summit. Drop down about 100', there are several sheltered spots just off the main paths. 5. Do not set up within 100 yards of the drops into llyn Cau or llyn cader. It is easy to get disorientated up there in mist or darkness. The mountain eats about six climbers/walkers very five years. 6. You will need a decent Bivvy bag, goretex clothing and at least two flasks of hot soup. Even in high summer I have woken with frost on me, and the wind chill near the top can suck the heat right out of you at night. 7. Don't expect to get a lot of sleep... 8. As soon as you get down ring or better, drop into, the Tourist Information and let them know you are safely off the mountain. Good luck and I hope you are blessed with poetry.
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