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Walk 3026 - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from the Ogwen Valley

    

Nat Park   Snowdonia
County/Area   Conwy
AuthorLou Johnson
Length5.8 miles / 9.3 km
Ascent2640 feet / 800 metres
Gradehard
Startgrid reference SH672604

Photo from the walk - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from the Ogwen Valley Photo from the walk - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from the Ogwen Valley Photo from the walk - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from the Ogwen Valley Photo from the walk - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from the Ogwen Valley 
Click thumbnails for larger images.

Tryfan is one of the most recognisable summits in Snowdonia. At first sight it is an intimidating mountain having the classic pointed shape, rugged crags and a perfect position. Although a comparatively short walk of around 6 miles, around 2500 feet of ascent are undertaken, much of it over strenuous territory. However, it is a walk most able bodied people can undertake although it must be stressed that Tryfan is not a mountain to be treated lightly. In bad weather - snow and ice or high winds - it can be a dangerous place to be. This walk shares the first section of route with Walk 1215.

You can park your car at the farm for a small charge or alongside the A5. The objective is obvious and it is an easy walk up to the right of Tryfan Bach to reach the start of the steep crags that form Tryfan. I chose the "Heather Terrace" path, which is marked on the OS 1:25000 map. The path can be clearly seen on the approach and its position should be noted. This route provides a moderate way to the summit. Picking up its start is difficult but once on it the way ahead is obvious. Quite quickly you reach the col between the Main and South peaks of Tryfan and from here it is a scramble over large rocks to the summit. Apart from one awkward section it is a straight forward scramble. The summit is a wonderful viewpoint and far below you can see the A5 threading its way alongside Llyn Ogwen. To continue return to the col. Instead of dropping down to the "Heather Terrace" clamber up and over the South Peak to Bwlch Tryfan.

From here take the "Miners Path" - this heads south and descends slightly before climbing steadily onto the ridge between Glyder Fach and Y Foel Goch, which is our next objective. Some of the best views of Tryfan are to be had on this section especially near the small tarn "Llyn Caseg-fraith". Continue easily to the summit of Y Foel Goch.

The last summit of this fine horseshoe is Gallt yr Ogof (not marked as such on OS maps). This is pleasant country and very reminiscent of the area around Glaramara in the Lake District. Now comes the tricky bit! After having visited the last summit, the next objective is Gwern Gof Isaf farm - not to be confused with the farm where you parked your car! This is reached by trial and error by clambering down the rough land between the summit of Gallt yr Ogof and the valley far below. Beware there are some high crags but with patience you are soon down and following the stream to the farm. All that's left is a pleasant walk along Telford's old road back to your starting point. To your left is Tryfan and you can mentally retrace what is a perfect day in the mountains.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

OS Explorer1:25,000Sheet OL17
OS Landranger1:50,000Sheet 115

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Bryn Afon Guest House, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy
Bed & Breakfast - 7.9 miles / 12.6 km away

Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy
Hotel - 8.1 miles / 12.9 km away

Bryn Bella Guest House, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy
Guest House - 8.4 miles / 13.4 km away

Plas Tan y Graig, Beddgelert - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 9.1 miles / 14.6 km away

E and S Thomas, Bangor - Gwynedd
Self Catering - 9.6 miles / 15.3 km away

The Don, Blaenau Ffestiniog - Gwynedd
Guest House - 9.6 miles / 15.4 km away

Cae Mawr B&B, Tan Yr Allt, Llanllyfni - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 12.6 miles / 20.2 km away

Fron Deg B&B, Maentwrog - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 12.7 miles / 20.3 km away

Cae Gwyn, Penrhyndeudraeth - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 13.8 miles / 22.1 km away

Gwrach Ynys Country Guest House, Harlech - Gwynedd
Guest House - 17.2 miles / 27.5 km away

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"

 


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