Introduction
There are so many guided mountain walks in Snowdonia to choose from, including the iconic peak of Tryfan. The problem is deciding which one to do! A guide can pick the best routes for you, help keep you safe, teach you about what you see around you and share lots of useful tips with you.
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Booking and Prices
If you want to book one of our guided mountain walks up Tryfan, or elsewhere in Snowdonia, then see the main page for more details and prices or see what our clients say about us. You can also have a look at the Calendar for forthcoming “Open” events.
When you are ready, then get in touch to make an enquiry or a booking.
We also guide mountain walks in the Lake District mountains and the Scottish highlands.
Guided Mountain Walks on Tryfan
Tryfan is famous for a number of reasons, and a much sought-after summit to complete. First of all, there is its distinctive shape, instantly recognisable once you know it. Then there is the fact that it is one of the very few peaks in the UK on which you will need to use your hands as well as feet to reach the top. There is no easy ‘path’, which is why many will choose to do a guided mountain walk on Tryfan. Finally, many people will know of the two huge stones, named Adam and Eve, that sit at the summit. The tradition of jumping between them is not to be missed by those with good nerves (in good weather).
South Ridge Path
The most easy way up is the rough path that leads up from Bwlch Tryfan, following a line just below the true South Ridge. This is the one to choose if you have any doubt about your ability to scramble on steeper rocks.
But it’s still not to be underestimated. Good balance is required for crossing the expansive boulderfields. There is also a ‘sting in the tail’ – a short scrambling section just below the summit which you will have to descend as well, in due course.
South Ridge of Tryfan
The true south ridge offers a Grade 1 scrambling alternative that is easier than the North Ridge.
North Ridge of Tryfan
The most well known and most popular route up Tryfan is without doubt the North Ridge. This is perhaps the most famous Grade 1 scramble in the whole of the UK and is justifiably popular.
It can’t really be considered a ‘walk’ in the truest sense, but there are various options that can be followed to avoid the hardest and most serious sections – such as the North Tower.
Eastern Terrace
The Eastern Terrace is a narrow, rough path perched high above the cliffs on the east face. There are still a few sections of ‘hands-on’ scrambling to negotiate, though, so it is not a straightforward walk.
It does offer two advantages though. First, it’s a way to bypass the hard North Tower. Second, it gives a bit of variety and shows off a different aspect of the mountain.
At the foot of the North Tower there is a flat area the size of a tennis court. It’s the only spot like it on the whole ridge and definitely since leaving the Cannon Stone. At the ’11-o’clock’ corner of this, a small gap between some rocks gives access to a short rocky descent. The Eastern Terrace path now reveals itself.
After just a couple of minutes along the path, you come to the first gully above you on the right. This is the one to take to regain the North Ridge at the Notch, having bypassed the North Tower. This still involves a few scrambling moves to enter and exit the gully.
Much further along the path, you arrive at a noticeably steeper section of scrambling that takes you up and over a distinctive rock barrier. A short while afterwards North Gully is above you on the right. This is again another way to reach the summit ridge, with scrambling needed to enter and exit the gully.
The final option is to follow the path as it doubles back on itself, via some scrambling sections, to bring you out directly at Adam and Eve on the summit.
Accidents on Tryfan
Finally, a word of warning about Tryfan. It’s an accident blackspot and there are many mountain rescue call-outs, accidents and deaths here. This is partly a freak of statistics – the more popular it is then the more accidents there will be, proportionately. However, there’s more to it than that. The North Ridge starts off as a benign and friendly path and many people start out with the intention of turning back if it gets too difficult. The harder climbing is nearer to the top however. By the time people want to turn back, finding the correct and safe way down is much more difficult than they expect. They stray onto the east or west faces and either have an accident or call out mountain rescue just in time before they do so.
Most of the call-outs on Tryfan are to those attempting to descend the North Ridge. It’s not a mountain to be on alone if you don’t have the knowledge, skills or experience. The safest option for getting to the top if you are not familiar with the mountain, is book a guided mountain walk up Tryfan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The North Ridge of Tryfan is classed as a ‘Grade 1’ scramble. This means that using your hands to climb, as well as your feet, is required for a good proportion of the time. Grade 1 is the lowest of the scrambling grades, so most fit and active people, with good balance and a head for heights should be able to complete the route.
The reasons are complex, but the fact that it is a highly popular route is part of the problem.
Some people will overestimate their own ability and underestimate the mountain and soon find they are out of their depth. The route starts off right at the roadside and feels very ‘friendly’ – but by the time you are two-thirds of the way up and the cloud has come in, it can feel a very scary place.
Some people turn round, but finding a safe descent route is never as easy as one might expect. Most of the accidents on the north ridge happen to people who are attempting to descend.
Of course, this all depends on where you are at the time. You should try to retrace your steps as best you can.
A common cause of error (and accidents) is that people head too far to the west, perhaps aiming for their car parked near Llyn Ogwen below. They end up stuck on, or falling from, the steep cliffs at the foot of the north-west side of the mountain.
However, if you can try to pick out a suitable descent path, but all the while heading roughly towards the farm at Gwern Gof Uchaf (look on a map) then you are much more likely to make it down to easy ground safely.
