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Following the Snowdon Horseshoe the Day before, decided to go for another Classic. Traverse the North Ridge of Tryfan, down its South, then up Briskly to Glyder Fach. Once there would take in as many tops in the Range as I could manage.
Staying at Pen Y Pass Hostel, the start point on the other side of the Glyders takes about 20 mins to get there. The appoach going north on A5, Tryfan is unmistakable.
- Tryfan from A5
Start is a bit off a slog up what in summer is a scree slope, but you can like myself move right once past the intial Milestone Buttress and scamble over all the ledges from one to another. This can get steep and technical in some sections, so once needing to give heart a rest I find my way back across left to join main route.
- Looking back after couple 100m acsent
- Bit before the Cannon
On route you will find the Famous 'Cannon' Canterlever stone.
- Looking west at the Ogwen Valley (Y Garn in background behind the Cannon)
This means let the fun begin.
- 1st Step
- Looking back down on top of 1st step
- 2nd Step (Sorry about missing top)
- Shot with top
- After the 2nd step you climb downwards and cross over a bit with a steep gully either side
- 3rd Step
On top of the 3rd step you can see the summit with Adam and Eve the two Monoliths.
- From top of 3rd step can see the summit. Adam & Eve and the East side (left)
On the summit time to enjoy the view. Incase your wondering did not junp from Adam to Eve in crampons.
- Threesome Adam Eve and Me
Continuing down the South Ridge is not as exciting as the North. Great veiw of Briskly ahead.
- Briskly Ridge in the Centre
Guide book tells me that show follow the wall and this will lead to the gully to get on top of the Ridge. Walk across to it the snow has horrible layer of wind slab on top, which at random decides to support my weight or break and sap my energy.
- Look back at South Ridge of Tryfan
Climbing the gully is a good challenge, find myself at a few Crux's having to take time and really plan my move, clearing ice off rock face for hand holds, bridging, full axe swinging, but primarily daggering.
- Gully to start Briskly
- Looking down gully from top
Some great fun on Briskly
- Step on Briskly
- Sun over Briskly Pinnicles
Summit was all wind slabby so was exhausting to walk across. Climbed on all the sites on top of the Glyder.
- Glyder Fach Summit
View of Snowdon Horseshoe was great.
- Snowdon Horseshoe with Castle
Got tp Glyder Fawr but was not sure what feature was the summit so climbed both.
Continuing on to Y Garn the descent and reassent is much greater than the 2 previous. Once finished the descent the veiw to the Ogwen Valley opens up and is a lovely shot.
- Ogwen Valley and all summits thus far
Hike to the summit the snow cover is much less than everwhere else so hard on the ankles. On the summit decide not to push on for another summit.
- Summit Pic on Y Garn (Note in the shadow had cut ice blocks and constructed a tower to hold the camera for the shot)
Headed down the main route and finally take my crampons off at the footbridge by Llyn Idwal.
- Y Garn
Wallking long the road decide need to get a shot across the Llyn Ogwen.
- Tryfan across Lake
On review love this route would recommend strongly, but would advise on the Technical Sections, Briskley Ridge is more challenging the North and South Ridge of Tryfan. So if you find Tryfan on the boundary of your comfort level would take path to the left of the ridge to summit Glyder Fach. Main reason i say this is the Gully Climb at the start, the rest is similar but more exposed.