No.4 Yr Wyddfa

'My Heart's Truth, Sung'

Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon

Eryri/Snowdonia

Cymru

March 2024

Acrylic on canvas board

33" x 23"

Why I chose this scene/subject:

This is a key mountain on the Dragon's Back Race and one of the UK 3 peaks, so it had to be painted! The first time I summited Yr Wyddfa was part of a recce for DBR from Pen-Y-Pass 0ver Crib Goch and back along the Snowdon Horseshoe. It was an unusually clear day with views for miles and roasting.

After Crib Goch, there was a bit of a scramble up Garnedd Ugain, then pretty easy up to Snowdon. It was heaving on the top with a big queue up to the trig - everyone in sandals and flip flops! They'd all gone up on the train. We went up the fun way!

I had chosen to join an organised recce because I was terrified of Crib Goch. It was my first time up Snowdon. Having lived most of my life in the North-East, I had only been to Wales once prior to this. After this first trip, I fell in love with the Welsh mountains and couldn't wait to return to fight the Dragon.

The race itself, holds great memories. That day, again bestowed with sunshine and incredible views, the colours were really gorgeous and the lakes were reflecting the turquoise sky. After Crib Goch was conquered, I did a bit of a jig. Once I hit Snowdon, I knew that the tea and chips of the camp were in the bag. I had the summit to myself, a unique treat! It represents the sheer delight at the end of an amazing day of running in the mountains.

Why it has this title:

'My Heart's Truth, Sung'

For me, running in the hills, provides a childlike freedom, it gives your mind a sense of calm away from life's anxieties. I feel pure joy and am immersed in the landscape. This title was taken from A Poem in October, by Dylan Thomas. I enjoyed reading Dylan Thomas when I studied English Lit and I felt that I wanted to choose a Welsh reference for this piece and felt this fitting with the sentiment and my experience. After a great day's running, I often return home with a silly grin on my face, saying how much it made my heart sing.

Why it makes my Top 10:

This painting is quite a joyful one. It reflects the time of year that I have been up there and the joyful, happy, sunny memories.

Join me next week, when I'll be talking about No.5 in my Top 10,

'I Can't Feel My Face When I'm With You'.

Let your heart sing this week too!

Thanks for reading

Elaine.