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Walk 1215 - printer friendly version

Tryfan & Llyn Ogwen from Ogwen Valley Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.5 miles / 8.9 km

Ascent - 2260 feet / 685 metres

Grade - mod/hard

Start - OS grid reference SH672604
Lat 53.124181 + Long -3.9860346
Postcode LL57 3LZ (approx. location only)

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 Snowdonia 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 3026.

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 first encountered on the climb up from the "Heather Terrace".

Stay on the ridge and follow the path to Bwlch Tryfan with some clambering over rocks on the way. Turn right to follow the path to Ogwen Cottage. This descends past Llyn Bochlwyd. The path is good with much reconstruction having taken place in recent years. This leads you down to the cafe and other facilities at Ogwen Cottage with good views ahead to the Carneddau and down the u-shaped valley of Nant Francon towards Bethesda.

The onward route takes along the northern shores of Llyn Ogwen. Cross the A5 and head north and cross the river bridge. There is a finger post on the north side of the A5 just over the bridge. The initial stages of the path can be hard to locate and there are a couple of large "steps" that need to be overcome before a clearer more defined route becomes apparent. If you lose the path the best option is to stay as close as you can to the river, which should be on your immediate right.

After negotiating the tricky initial section the path meanders across pleasant rocky meadows with a good view across Llyn Ogwen to Tryfan and the Glyders. Occasionally the path becomes unclear but there are cairns for most of the route which do help with navigation. The path exits onto a track and this leads back to the A5 opposite Tryfan's north ridge. All that remains is either a hike up the road or the more pleasant alternative across fields to the starting point.

Walk 1215 Route Map

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