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Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from Ogwen Valley

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Glyders Tryfan

County/Area - Conwy

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.8 miles / 9.3 km    Ascent - 2640 feet / 800 metres

Time - 5 hours 30 minutes    Grade - hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL17Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 115Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 115Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from Ogwen Valley
Click image to visit gallery of 4 images.

Tryfan is one of the most recognisable summits in Snowdonia (Eryri). 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.

To start this Snowdonia (Eryri) walk, 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 following the ridge (with some sections of mild scrambling) down to a stile in the fence at grid ref. SH690594. Then head northwest across rough hillside to reach the main path (Telford's old road) near Gwern Gof Isaf. Turn left along the path to return to the start.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2820 Carneddau traverse from Llyn Ogwenmod/hard14.0 miles
Walk 1232 Carnedd Llewelyn, Llyn Eigiau & Llyn Cowlydhard16.0 miles
Walk 2855 Gallt yr Ogof & Braich y Ddeugwmmoderate4.0 miles
Walk 3056 Pen yr Helgi Du from Ogwen Valleymoderate5.5 miles
Walk 2650 Tryfan, the Glyders & Y Garnvery hard8.0 miles
Walk 1088 Glyder Ridge traversehard5.5 miles
Walk 1186 Y Garn from Ogwen Cottagemod/hard4.5 miles
Walk 3019 Y Garn & Carnedd y Filiast Ogwen Cottagehard8.5 miles
Walk 3062 Pen yr Ole Wenmoderate5.0 miles
Walk 2417 Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan from Idwal Cottagemod/hard6.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Mountain Walking in Snowdonia

Mountain Walking in SnowdoniaGuidebook to 40 of Snowdonia's best day walks, with routes up Snowdon and Tryfan, including the Snowdon Horseshoe, Cadair Idris, Y Garn and The Rhinogs. The routes range from Grade 1 scrambles like Crib Goch or Bristly Ridge, to riverside and forest walks. Includes details of a 2-day traverse of all 15 of Snowdonia's 3000ft peaks.
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Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia

Great Mountain Days in SnowdoniaInspirational guidebook to 40 great mountain day walks and scrambles in Snowdonia. Inspirational routes for all abilities across the National Park with routes up Snowdon and Moel Eilio, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, Eifionydd, Siabod and the Moelwynion, Rhinogydd (the Harlech Dome), Migneint and the Arans and Cadair Idris and the Tarrens.
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