Get Lost Mountaineering

Tryfan (via N Ridge), Glyder Fach (via Bristly Ridge), Glyder Fawr & Y Garn from Ogwen Cottage

Start/Finish

Park at, or close to Ogwen Cottage on the A5. The actual Cottage car park charges for parking but nearby, and on the road, there is lots of free parking. It is possible to get a mini-bus, called a Sherpa, from Llanberis (and other places) for about £1 per journey. Timetables are freely available from Tourist Offices.

Distance/Time

12 km      Approx 9 hours

Peaks

Tryfan, 915 m, SH 664 593.

Glyder Fach, 994 m, SH 656 582.

Glyder Fawr, 999 m, SH 642 579.

Y Garn, 947 m, SH 630 595.     OL 17 Yr Wyddfa & Conwy Valley

Introduction

The ascent of Tryfan by its N ridge followed by the ascent of Glyder Fach via Bristly Ridge is, arguably, the best scrambling route in Wales but there are some quite exposed sections. Once established on Bristly Ridge it is difficult to retrace one’s route. A clear dry day, with little wind, is essential.

Route

(1) From Ogwen Cottage, walk E along the A5 to the E end of Llyn Ogwen. The N face of Tryfan should be obvious. Take the obvious path which passes to the left, E, of the obvious buttress called Milestone Buttress. The path is easy to begin with but gradually gets steeper and rockier with some serious exposed scrambling. There are traces of paths when the scrambling eases but the aim is to try and stay on, or as close to, the crest as possible. You just have to pick your way carefully up this ridge. If the difficulties seem too great, look around as there are often easier alternatives. There are a few safe places to rest and eat on the ascent. Eventually, reach the boulder field summit of Tryfan, 915 m where there are two pillars known as Adam and Eve. Some people can jump from one to the other!

(2) From the summit, descend slightly, heading S then ascend to the S peak which seems even more precipitous. Continue descending, roughly SSE, on an obvious path. At the first col, there is wall with stiles. Over this wall is the Heather Terrace path which goes around Tryfan and down to the Ogwen Valley. Do not cross the wall but stay on the path which goes around the hill directly ahead on its W side. Continue down and round until you reach Bwlch Tryfan which is the col between Tryfan and Glyder Fach. The wall seen above reappears. For Bristly Ridge stay on its right, NW, and do not cross it. A path leads up through the scree and goes to the bottom of a tall, narrow, rocky and steep gully. This is the usual route and requires great care although there are plenty of holds. If this looks too daunting, there are alternative routes to the left, nearer the wall but they are hardly any easier. At the top of the gully, continue up the ridge. There is a path of sorts to guide you but some scrambling will be necessary. Almost at the top, you will have to climb down a very exposed pinnacle called The Great Pinnacle. There is no alternative route here. There are very good hand holds at the top of the pinnacle so carefully lower yourself down looking for a good foothold for your right foot. Once this is located, it should be easy to move your hands down and step on to the platform at the base of the pinnacle. From this platform, descend carefully into the obvious gap known as Great Pinnacle Gap. From here, it is still exposed but easier to ascend and you will soon reach the edge of the plateau across which you can walk, on a generally good path, to reach the summit of Glyder Fach, 994 m, which is in the middle of a pile of boulders and requires careful scrambling to reach. The summit is slightly off the path to the right.

(3) Rejoin the path and continue walking W. The next prominent feature is the Castle of the Winds (Castell y Gwynt), a very substantial outcrop to the right of the path. It is well worth a visit but some very large boulders will have to be clambered over. Beyond here the path is even easier to follow along the ridge to reach the large summit cairn of Glyder Fawr, 999 m.

(4) Descend NW, still on a good path, down loose scree (where multiple paths may appear) to Llyn y Cwm, making sure any crags are avoided, then ascend N on steep grassy slopes but still following a good path to reach the large cairn on the summit of Y Garn, 947 m.

(5) Continue N for about 200 m then locate the path down the E side of the NE ridge. This is steep and loose in places but eventually, after much contouring, leads back to Ogwen Cottage. If your car is parked on the A5, you may wish to leave this path lower down, near the road, and walk across country to save a little walking.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 10^th October, 2009.

(b) This route would be a very serious undertaking in winter conditions and ice axe and crampons would be essential.