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Walk 2650 - printer friendly version

Tryfan, the Glyders & Y Garn Walk

Author - Jake Robertson

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km

Ascent - 4650 feet / 1409 metres

Grade - very hard

Start - OS grid reference SH653602
Lat 53.121907 + Long -4.0143253
Postcode LL57 3LZ (approx. location only)

Here's a slightly taxing but entertaining Snowdonia (Eryri) walk over the Glyderau, one for a good day when the temptation to go onto the next summit is too much to resist. The start is the roadside parking between Ogwen Cottage and the foot of Tryfan alongside the A5 where it runs close to Llyn Ogwen (Grid ref. SH 653602).

Walk up the road to the stile on the right beneath the Milestone Buttress. The path climbs to the bottom of the North Ridge where one is at liberty to make your own way up to the summit (3002ft) crowned with the sentinel rocks of Adam and Eve. Descend down the south ridge to Bwlch Tryfan where Glyder Fach's Bristly Ridge rears up.

Climb up to the base of the lower crags and up the scree to the left where numerous gullies lead up to the ridge. Scramble up onto the ridge then progress along in glorious mountain scenery. The exposure is similar to Crib Goch but the scrambling is slightly more sustained. Eventually you will come to the gash of the Great Pinnacle Gap where an airy descent is needed to cross it. From here it is more of the same to the end of the ridge, leaving you quite spectacularly on the Glyder plateau. ( Note-This ridge can be avoided by climbing up the scree slope to the left of the ridge).

Make your way to the right, past the Cantilever Stone to the summit knoll of Glyder Fach (3261ft) which gives tremendous views over Yr Wyddfa and the other ranges of Snowdonia (Eryri). It is not too far to Castell y Gwynt which is skirted on the left. A clear path leads up to the summit of Glyder Fawr (3278ft).

Descend to a broad shelf, following a cairned path down a steep drop to Llyn y Cwn above the Devil's Kitchen. It looks a long climb up to Y Garn but this is only a deception, it is quite a short climb of about 800ft to the sensational top. Quite the best in the Glyderau, Y Garn is magnificent, the views and "mountain feel" are unparalleled with the secretive Cwm Clyd adding to the magical atmosphere.

It is quite a long way down the north ridge to Bwlch y Cywion then a gentle climb up the quite spongy ridge to the dramatic top of Foel Goch which has a nice exposed view down the Nant Ffrancon.

Almost double back on yourself and walk south along the escarpment, descending down the ridge marked on the maps as Y Llymllwyd making for an easy route to the bottom of Cwm Cywion where it is a boggy stretch to the old road over pathless ground. From here it is not to far down the road to Ogwen.

Note - For those with transport arrangements, this walk could be extended to include Elidir Fawr and descend to Llanberis, thus climb all the Glydrau 3000ft peaks in one long but enjoyable outing.

Walk 2650 Route Map

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