“The summit of Snowdon: you are here, nearer to Heaven”
The Welsh National Poet, Gwyn Thomas
Two of the great walks in the mountains of Wales, on Saturday we take in the classic Snowdon Horseshoe, the classic route to the highest mountain in Wales including the iconic Crib Goch ridge.
On Sunday we climb Tryfan by the North Ridge before continuing over the wonderful Glydders.
“I believe that the ascent of mountains forms an essential chapter in the complete duty of man, and that it is wrong to leave any district without setting foot on its highest peak”
Sir Leslie Stephen
The Snowdon Horseshoe
From the Pen-y-Pass we will climb the start of the PYG track, turning off the over used path at Bwlch y Moch and climbing onto the Crib Goch ridge.
We will traverse the Crib Goch ridge from east to west and climb to the summit of Garnedd Ugain from where an easy path will take us around the crest of the ridge above Glasslyn to the summit of Snowdon and the modern summit cafe.
From the summit of Snowdon we will descend to the south east, descending above Llyn Llydaw to the twin summits of Y Lliwedd, following this fine ridge as it curves to the north and descends to the shores of Llyn Llydaw and the Miners Track back to the Pen-y-pass.
Tryfan & the Glyderau
From Idwal Cottage a short walk to the east will bring us to the lower slopes of Tryfan from where a wonderful scramble will bring us to the summit of Tryfan.
After a short descent to the south of the summit of Tryfan a short but steep climb will bring us to the summit of Glyder Fach and the main Glyderau ridge.
The ridge continues west to the summit of Glyder Fawr, the highest summit of the day.
From Glyder Fawr the ridge turns to the north west, descending past Llyn y Cwn before the long gentle climb to the summit of Y Garn, the final summit of the day.
Our route of descent is to the east, down to Lyn Idwal and following the good path back to Idwal Cottage.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Saturday:
Where to meet: Pen-Y-Pass
Postcode: LL55 4NY
Grid Reference: SH 647 557
Directions
From the A55 coast road follow signs for Llanberis the A4086 to YHA Pen-Y-Pass. From the A5 turn onto A4086 at Capel Curig. Turn right at Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel. There is a Pay and Display car park on the left hand side of the road at the top of the pass.
Please note that there is limited parking at Pen Y Pass, at busy times it fills up early, there is a Park and Ride system from the lower car parks, but please leave plenty of time for this.
Sunday:
Where to meet: Idwal Cottage
Postcode: LL57 3LZ
Grid Reference: SH 649 603
Directions
Llyn Ogwen is easily found on the A5, 5 miles south of Bethesda, the Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel is found at the western end of the water, we will meet outside the Youth Hostel.
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Welsh Walking Weekend Review by Clare
Really grateful again for excellent guiding in beautiful places . I did the Welsh Walking Weekend in quite good weather (for Wales!... meaning winds up to 80mph precluded Crib Goch(definitely a good call! ) ).
Rob, our guide was kind, thoughtful and encouraging to all the group and his confidence was such that I felt able to play and free range on the scrambly bits of Tryfan and the Snowdon Horseshoe whilst feeling safe (a perfect scenario ) Ellen's assistance on the Tryfan day was an added bonus.
I have been so impressed by this company ..thank you .
Clare (Posted on 26/09/2016)