Now the lattice-work of scaffolding covering the building is being taken down, it is much easier to get a clearer idea of how Hafod Eryri will look when it is totally finished. The aluminium panels that made up the walls are now totally covered by stone. The gable end wall at the entrance is particularly impressive.


Hafod Eryri's impressive stone frontage.

Despite the continuing summer wash-out since the last post, the granite walls have gone up quickly and are close to completion. With only three courses (out of 65) granite blocks left to be fixed on the roof, this is likely to be finished by the middle of next week. For Gary Fury, from the company Stone Central, who has spent months working on the roof fixing the blocks and attachment rails, his days of commuting to work up Snowdon are nearly over. He said: "This job has been a hell of an experience. The weather has thrown everything at us, even the sun is a bit too strong when it has appeared. Without a doubt the best thing has been the incredible views."


Gary Fury with not many blocks to go before the roof is finished.

Peter Trumper, Snowdonia National Park Head of Property, on a site visit believes: "Hafod Eryri is likely to be physically finished before the winter but will not open this year." The portacabins are being dismantled and inside the building there is only some snagging and cleaning left to do. A hand rail to safeguard the way around the east side of the site needs adding and the railway platforms and tracks require repairing.


The counter and kitchen in the cafe. The thin poles are temporary scaffolding.
Compare this with the shot below of the same area from June 6th.



The redevelopment of Snowdon's summit building has coincided with some of the worst summer weather Wales has experienced. According to the Met Office, the total mean rainfall for Wales during May-July 2007 of 502mm was twice the average and the highest since records began in 1914. And the figures for June/July this year are also well above normal with a rainfall figure of 141mm for Wales during July. Imagine what it's like working in twice the normal amount of rain at the top of Snowdon where the topography means you can expect around 4000mm a year anyway!


The parapet wall (right) above the service wing is nearly finished.