HELYG CENTENARY
2025 marks the centenary of the Club’s acquisition of Helyg.
Located in Eryri/Snowdonia’s wild and weathered Ogwen Valley, between the flanks of Tryfan and the Glyderau, stands a solid stone building that has witnessed a century of British climbing history. This May, Helyg – Britain’s oldest purpose-acquired climbing hut – is 100 years old. Helyg was obtained by the Climbers’ Club in 1925 and has been the launchpad for countless adventures, a shelter from Snowdonia’s storms and a gathering place for generations of climbers. Read Katy Dartford's full article in The Great Outdoors magazine.
- Helyg Celebration Video Part 1 - 24 min watch
- Helyg Celebration Video Part 2 - the talks - 108 min watch
Short videos:
- Helyg 100 Celebration
- Helyg 100 Interview Kenny Atherton
- Helyg 100 Interview Ian Smith
- Helyg 100 Interview Richard Hargreaves
- Helyg 100 Interview Andy Kitchen
- Helyg 100 National Trust walk with Ranger
- A few copies of the book Helyg by Geoff Milburn which commemorated the Diamond Jubilee in 1985, are available secondhand.
- A history of Helyg by Ian Wall - 15 min read
Helyg Centenary Celebrations May 2nd-5th 2025 - meet report:
We had a fantastic weekend celebrating the centenary of Helyg – the weather was fantastic all weekend and all the events very well-attended. All three north-Welsh huts were full for the weekend and the carpark at Helyg on Saturday morning for the celebratory cake and key ceremony was stacked three deep. President Paul Drew, resplendent in Norfolk jacket and plus fours, gave a potted history of the acquisition of Helyg.
In the evening, we met at Plas y Brenin for food and heard from several interesting speakers.
The National Trust organised three different walks for us over the weekend.
Sunday ended with a large social gathering at the RW Lloyd hut at Ynys Ettws.
A fabulous weekend. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
Hilary Lawrenson - Organiser
Paul Drew - President
CADW listing records
