ALONG THE COAST AND ELSEWHERE 177 



on the edge of a great tree-sloped chasm. We pass over the River 

 Afon Hwch (Afon means a river), reaching a fine masonry 

 viaduct of fourteen arches, each of 30 ft. span. The gradient 

 is 1 in 8J at this point. Besides carrying the line upwards, this 

 huge structure serves another purpose, for it enables the traveller 

 to obtain a grand view of the whole length of the Ceunant Mawr 

 (or great chasm) up to the famous waterfall. A second viaduct 

 is reached before our initial excitement has abated. This latter 

 structure is placed at the right hand top corner of the chasm, and 

 from this point a full view is obtained of the splendid fall of 

 water, and the deep ravine immediately below. We are still 

 climbing upwards. The country now traversed is typical moor- 

 land. Sheep are placidly grazing, and we notice, with interest, 

 that they have long woolly tails. 



We now reach the first station on the line it is only a mere 

 hut but nobody wishes to alight or get aboard, and we do not 

 stop. On either side of us the route is still moorland, but ahead 

 of us we can plainly see the grand old monarch, and the succeed- 

 ing ranges in majestic array. It hardly seems possible that we 

 are really ascending Snowdon, and shall find ourselves eventually 

 on the summit, perched up 3560 feet. From the first station, 

 Snowdon summit is about four miles to the southward, and the 

 line runs tolerably direct towards it. Another bridge, with a 

 50 ft. span, is gone over, and, on the right, we observe the pretty 

 waterfall of Ceunant Bach (Bach means little, small). 



From this point we ascend for some two miles the long slope 

 of Llechog, with a ridge on our left, which at present hides the 

 world-famous Pass of Llanberis from view. The long open 

 valley on our right is Cwm Brwynog (Cwm means a valley or 

 dingle), and right across the valley there is a series of small hills 

 such as the noble Eilio, Moel Coch (Moel means a conical hill, 

 Coch means red), and Moel-y-Cynghorion (the Hill of Councils). 

 Our journey is becoming more awe-inspiring every moment, and 

 we really begin to realise now the exact nature of our expedition. 



There is still no open view on the left, for the ridge afore- 

 mentioned prevents it. Everything at present is ahead, and on 

 our right, and as we reach station number three we notice a 

 small chapel, as well as the halfway hous'e, which has this curious 

 lettering upon its door : " Noah's Ark, Satanus non est. Holme 

 and King, contractors." 



We are now going up and up the slope of Llechog, and soon 

 after passing the halfway house, where, by the way, we take 



M 



