This route provides a series of scrambles second only to Crib Goch. Tryfan is a splendid mountain, very rocky, with a suitably fine summit. If one makes the shorter circuit, descending the Gribin Ridge then it is about 6 miles, 3,800ft. ascent, 5 hours.
Many people start opposite the entrance to Glan Dena, the Midland Association of Mountaineer's hut set in trees at the East end of Llyn Ogwen (667605). Cross two stiles over fences to gain access to the foot of Tryfan. The path is initially not clear, although as you continue on and slightly up it becomes more obvious. After 10 or 15 minutes it turns more steeply uphill, zig-zagging across scree below a gully clearly visible higher up. Follow it up the gully and at the top head up half left to the centre of the North Ridge.
Once on the ridge it is just a matter of following it. About one third of the way up is the canon stone - a massive finger of rock sticking out at 45 degrees, which from the valley looks something like a cannon. The way on can be chosen to provide more or less difficulty. Hands will be used but any serious difficulties are invariably avoidable. Cross the first (North) summit and drop into a gully that separates it from the higher central summit. Out of this to reach the foot of Adam and Eve, the two natural pillars that crown the central summit. It is traditional to gain the 'Freedom of Tryfan' by jumping from one to the other, but do not dare to fail, the landing is dire!
Continue over (or round) the South summit and down (keeping a little to the right) to Bwlch Tryfan. Bristly Ridge rears up ahead. The scramble starts in a long damp gully that provides some interesting scrambling of similar difficulty to Tryfan. In places difficulties can be avoided by dropping to a path on the west side. The top of the ridge brings you out onto the rocky plateau of the Gylders. Head southeast climbing a little and you will reach the famous cantilever stone and the summit pile of Glyder Fach. To reach the topmost block and true summit is a little scramble in itself. From here follow the ridge westwards. The pinnacles of Castle of the Winds (Castell y Gwynt) can be crossed by another straightforward scramble, or avoided by dropping down and round to the south (left). Continue along the rocky ridge.
Having got within a few hundred yards of Glyder Fawr you might as well visit it too, so continue there. In poor visibility this area if pretty flat and unless you know the area well it will be difficult to tell if you have reached the top as there is no summit cairn or marker.
Return along the northern edge of the ridge. After 500m. the edge begins to curve north around the head of the Nameless Cwm. Follow this to the head of the Gribin Ridge. The upper part of this is very rocky and again offers some scrambling, particularly if you stick to the true crest. The ridge broadens out and becomes easier as you descend. Follow the path rightwards towards the outlet of Llyn Bochlwyd (also known as Lake Australia after its shape when viewed from the ridges above). Join the path coming down from Bwlch Tryfan at here and follow this down beside the stream. At the bottom of the steep slope, where the angle relents somewhat, turn off to cut down to one of the car parks nearer to your starting point. Paths here tend to be indistinct and often marshy, but will shorten the walk back along the A5 considerably.
Two longer alternatives from the summit of Glyder Fawr are to visit Y Garn, or descend via the Devil’s Kitchen. In either case take a steep and rather loose descent to Llyn y Cwn - follow the cairns from Glyder Fawr, and don't drop off the ridge too early.
To descend the Devils Kitchen to Llyn Idwal turn right as soon as you are level with the edge of the lake, do not follow the outlet stream from it as this leads to the top of the waterfall in the back of the Devils Kitchen. The descent route is quite steep and rocky. About halfway down it reaches the stream issuing from the dark gash (Twll Du: black hole in Welsh) that looks so impressive from afar. It is possible to scramble up the stream for a way here, but to reach the waterfall at the back, and escape up the left wall is rock climbing. Continue on down the path and then complete the route to Ogwen Cottage by either of the paths that run along the sides of the lake.
For those who want to extend the walk further, and pick up another 3,000ft summit, continue past the lake and ascend the rather undistinguished slope ahead to the summit of Y Garn. A couple of minutes beyond the top, at a level area, follow the edge of the cliffs rightwards and descend the north-east ridge. This will lead down to the floor of the cwm containing Llyn Clyd, and then to the northern end of Llyn Idwal and so back to Ogwen Cottage.
Combine this route with a traverse of the Snowdon Horseshoe the following day to complete a weekend of scrambling, taking in the best peaks and routes of Snowdonia in one action packed weekend.
Transport for this event will be provided to and from Betws y Coed or Llanberis, both good bases in the Snowdonia National Park, where we will also be accommodated in a friendly and convenient Backpackers Lodge or Bed and Breakfast on a B & B basis.
Prices on application minimum 1 person max 4
For bookings and further information please contact
Damon@impadventures.com Mob: 07768 608914
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