Just a word of warning that spring is still quite a dangerous time for getting out and about due to the hugely changeable weather conditions. During a quick spin up to Cadair Idris yesterday I had scorching sun in the valleys but cornices of hardpack hail/snow on the tops! I also made two fantastic discoveries in the logistical process of getting there:

• I left my Cadair map in Bristol. However after a bit of investigation, there is a huuuuge map shop in Fishguard (okay Goodwick) that produce laminated OS maps and loads of other travel guides. It’s run by a helpful chap called Chris David and has been there for about 5 years!? It’s essentially a wholesale setup for camping/walking shops but they’re very happy to have local callers (do them a favour and take hard cash..) The stock seems huge and they had a laminated Cadair map to hand within seconds. Contact details: Chris David / Tel: 01348 874666 / Trail Card, Unit 5, Goodwick Industrial Estate, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, SA46 0BD.
• McDonalds have read my mind. After years of driving through Aberystwyth at 06:30hrs; a 30 whole minutes before breakfast muffins and coffee were available, they’ve seen the light and decided to open early! I’m not a fast food adovcate but it’s a cracking breakfast for red-eye mountain starts!