Big Tick16      Tryfan's North Ridge

Walkz.com visit Tryfan (pronounced trevan, as in Trevor) often.We offer a scrambled ascent of the North Ridge or use the Heather terrace for an easier ascent. The mountain is one of the 14  Welsh 3000's. The backbone of Tryfan is composed of two ridges. The more prominent North Ridge descends towards the A5 road and east shore of Llyn Ogwen, while the shorter and less dramatic South Ridge provides a link to Glyder Fach. The faces which support this spine - east and west - are both impressively rocky. The ascent route most used by walkers approaches from Ogwen Cottage via Cwm Bochlwyd then takes the South Ridge by its west side.

Above the prominent ramp of the Heather Terrace which slants across the East Face stands a series of high buttresses separated by deep gullies. These are the lines of the best known rock climbs and scrambles on the mountain. Apart from the accessible Milestone Buttress, the huge but heather-choked West Face has been largely ignored by both rock climbers and scramblers.

North Ridge    

Tryfan's North Ridge is the most popular scramble in the Glyders. Its jagged crest, rising without deviation to the summit, can be seen from almost anywhere in the Ogwen Valley. The ridge is broader than it seems and is more of a rocky shoulder than a true crest. Nevertheless the scrambling is always interesting, and when extended into a horseshoe ridge traverse provides one of the finest outings in North Wales.

Typically, short rises well-furnished with holds punctuate leisurely walking sections from where the unfolding view can be enjoyed to the full. Of numerous alternative lines, by far the best stay as close to the crest as possible.

Easy ridge scrambling from valley floor to summit. Impressive rock scenery. Extreme popularity means that holds are badly polished, though this does not detract from the enjoyment. Start early or late on fine weekend days to avoid crowds. Not especially difficult under wet or windy conditions.

Tryfan and Adam and Eve