While they are both hemmed in by the same sea and tend to be incredibly wet, I was amazed at the stark differences between Snowdonia and the Wicklow mountains during a wonderful visit to the North Welsh region in April.

Having toiled for over a year through bog, heather and general moorland in Wicklow, Snowdonia represented a big step change, with lots of scree, crags and slate throwing up a different set of challenges.

While several peaks in Snowdonia are visible from Wicklow when visibility is good, they are worlds apart in terms of terrain and underfoot conditions.

For that very reason the group ofTrekkers who undertook a three-day hike within Snowdonia National Park enjoyed this most inviting of diversions from our usual Wicklow/Dublin routes.

As my first overseas excursion with the Trekkers, one was a little apprehensive about the logistical challenges involved, but a trip to Snowdonia is just about perfect for the first timer.

The trip over on the Ferry from North Wall is very brief and within a few hours of leaving Dublin you can be standing beside the majesty of Snowdon itself, as well as other mountains in the range.

The group, led by Owen, was a nice mix of Snowdonia veterans and Snowdonia virgins (no smart comments at the back please!) and after fortifying ourselves on the first night at the congenial Princess Arms Hotel in Trefriw, near Betws-y-Coed, it was straight into our first intense work-out as we took on Snowdon itself on our second day in Wales.

While I was aware Snowdon was the highest mountain in Wales, you certainly realise you are taking on a mountain of some repute when the first landmark you encounter is a plaque to former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, a great supporter of Wales, who had his estate in the Welsh town of Hawarden

The route we took started at Bethania Car Park, going up via the Wadkin path, across the SE ridge to Snowdon Summit and returning by the Miners Path to Pen-Y-Pass and Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel, a 17km walk, with an ascent of 1,200 metres.

As our leader reminded us, chillingly, that is a big ascent and it is made all the more challenging when you start low down, near sea level. Where were we starting I nervously asked? Low down and near sea level, came the reply!

Within a few minutes, heavy layers were being discarded as the temperatures started to rise and we took on the challenging terrain, which as described earlier was more rocky than boggy for us Wicklow regulars.

While the terrain is challenging, Snowdon is a busy mountain and this means there are plenty of distractions to keep things lively, including what appeared to be a mountain rescue helicopter doing some exercises in the air over our heads early on in the climb. We climbed away for several hours before breaking for lunch overlooking our eventual descent route. The views are simply stunning and the route itself is not too congested, so going at a moderate enough pace is possible.

As one expects the wind tends to get up a head of steam as you approach the summit and there was some minor scrambling near the summit too, to keep things interesting. Strangely enough the summit almost comes upon you unnoticed, but it comes as a shock in many respects too-as the crowds at the top are quite dense, even though the rooftop cafe was closed the day we visited and the railway appeared to be shut. Interestingly enough the railway is the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom.

At this point some Trekkers were feeling the pace, but the absence of said railway, meant there really was only one way down - via ones legs! Before the descent though, it was time for lots of pictures and yes, lots of selfies. Joe Devine even engaged in some outrageous photo bombing of us first timers!

The views are truly breathtaking and while Snowdon itself is spectacular, to see the other peaks laid out around you in the distance is jaw dropping. The best way to describe the view is that it looks like the scales on the back of dinosaur's or a crocodile's back. The descent is a tough one too, with the drops between each individual rock pretty big, but again the views are immensely rewarding and you make good time, at least initially. The main factor slowing you on the descent is the sheer numbers ascending via the same route, many of them it must be said, wearing totally unsuitable gear for such a serious mountain.

Throughout the descent are a collection of lakes to your right which make the descent more than just a slog. Eventually, with sore feet and thirsty mouths, we all fell into the sweet embrace of the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel, which has connections to Everest climbers and a fme collection of hiking boots hanging from the ceiling. I'd also like to complement them on their collection of wheat beers which went down well with this thirsty Snowdon survivor.

In contrast to the first day of climbing, which was mainly in sun and brightness, the second day's walk was an altogether different affair in terms of weather. Temperatures plunged and layers were being added hurriedly by our group as we pulled into Llyn Ogwen Car Park to take on Y Garn. This Trekker was suffering from a mildly damaged foot from the first day, so I was a little nervous about trying to spring up the initial ascent via Llyn Idwal, however I took modest comfort from the sight of the RAF Mountain Rescue vans in the car park earlier!

We spotted some rock climbers early in the ascent and took a time out to have a look at their technique; suffice to say, I won't be changing clubs/codes any time soon. The ascent this time around was tougher with lots of crags and some steep sections and a little scrambling thrown in for good measure. But again the views were eye watering and a few hours into the ascent we were seeing our first snow on the ground. I shouldn't have been surprised by this as many parts of Snowdonia generally get snow until May and there was a clue staring me right in the face ... er its called Snow-donia!

The summit at Y Garn was very windy and we didn't hang around, although we took some great photos and there was a real sense of achievement at battling through some pretty harsh elements. We then added to the walk by shifting on to the summit at F oel Goch and returning by the NE Ridge of Y Garn to our start point. The descent was very challenging as snow build up was considerable and footing had to be watched very carefully. A great display of team work was in evidence on this descent as Owen showed us some useful techniques for descending in snow and not tumbling head first down a ravine! (Always good to know that I find!).

All in all it was a 12 km shift with a 1,050 metre climb. What was great about this walk was, we were only 24 hours from our first walk in the sun and brightness, but this was different altogether, but no less enjoyable. Again you get a reward every time you descend a mountain in Snowdonia - a dazzling array of lakes to gawk at as you make your way down. Our reward this time around was a very pleasant beer or two in Betws-y-Coed, which is a surprisingly large town. (A great place also for buying hiking gear too I noticed).

The final day again provided variety as we got to take in a hike, but also a little history as we visited Bettgelart, a picture postcard town contained within the Snowdonia national park area. Owen devised an impressive route after an earlier route was scrapped due to serious weather warnings as we hiked the area around the Sygun Copper Mine, which while now closed, still seems almost alive in spirit. Much of the equipment of the miners is still scattered around and it is pretty evocative.

With the weather deteriorating, the group were happy to stay lower this time around, with a 10KM climb of about 476 metres. It was a real tonic after the two previous days tough hiking and the Trekkers are at their best when we have to improvise! We are also at our best when sneaking off to buy souvenirs and I apologise for corrupting fellow Trekker John Casey by persuading him to go into a shop to buy some trinkets as the group waited around in the car park anxiously! I suppose it could be explained away as part of his official sweeping duties, which as we all know he takes ever so seriously.

After that it was a quick dash back to the hotel to pick up the gear and our two nominated drivers Joe Devine and Owen got us back to the ferry port at Holyhead in perfect time. Thanks to both of them for the driving duties during the four days, it was wonderful and they were both so generous to take on the job in the first place.

Overall Snowdonia was a fabulous jaunt and while punishing in parts, the views and terrain are simply breathtaking. The Welsh people you encounter are also so warm and friendly that my only regret was by-passing this part of north Wales all those years ago on long drives towards England.

This is a mountain range with mountains of all shapes and sizes, literally. But more than that, the region itself is a hiker/walker's paradise. Everywhere you look are walkers, or walker's shops, or walker's signs or walker's hostels. It seems at times half the walkers in England have decamped here, to sample these incredible mountains. I don't blame them.