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Tryfan is one of the finest mountains in Britain and therefore on just about any hill walkers itinerary. This was our third family visit to Wales and somehow the ascent of this wonderful peak had eluded us so third time lucky was the call. The weather on Tuesday was poor on the mountains so we headed to Angelsey for the day (pics at end of report) and had a fine time enjoying the best of the weather for the day. Wednesday morning was little better on the hills but a change in was due in the afternoon so following a lie in we headed for the Ogwen valley and got there around midday as the clouds were clearing the tops.
Suited and booted we headed up the path at the back of the parking area we had managed to get a place in with a solid plan in our heads, which was to head up past Llyn Bochlwyd up to Bwlch Tryfan and up the South Ridge from there, a simple plan for a simple afternoon in the hills.
Tryfan rearing up at the start of the walk by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
A little cloud on the summit by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Summit drama on Tryfan by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Gaining height as the summit clears by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Llyn Ogwen by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Drama towards Y Garn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Still clouds strafing the summits by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ever changing light by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
A wider view looking back by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
I'm waiting! by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
We gained height quickly up the well made relentlessly steep path but as the views opened up over the magnificent Ogwen valley uncertainty started to creep in. We were obviously too high on the hill and seemingly heading direct for the summit rather than the Bwlch. Given the path was so clear and good we were obviously heading somewhere well used but quite where we wern't sure. The answer, as we now know, was the Western gully a popular descent route following the scramble up the North ridge but at the time the way up looked very steep, very lose and not 100% clear. Resolving to never clamber up anything we couldn't get back down we headed upwards.
View from the Western Gully by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ogwen Valley from somewhere on Tryfan by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Light catching Glyder Fach by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
What followed was a very entertaining but simple scramble upwards that even though it felt relatively safe had a feel of significant airiness. Once the steepness eased our confidence grew and rather dramatically we topped out on the ridge as a huge gaping chasm opened up down the Eastern side of the mountain.
Worst over with but still bloody steep by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Topping out on the ridge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down to the car! by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
A simple scramble led us to Adam and Eve, Tryfan's twin monoliths, an iconic sight but also a bowel loosening one
There were no attempts at gaining the freedom of Tryfan during our stay on the summit by us or anybody else, given the brisk wind I'm not sure any right minded individual would attempt it on this day. That said I'm fairly sure I wouldn't have attempted it in perfect windless conditions either.
The only recorded bid for freedom was achieved by a passing gull, which due to the power of flight wasn't really taking much of a risk to be fair.
For the Love of Rock by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Sheltered by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
A gull gets the freedom of Tryfan by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
It was fairly chilly on the top so we headed off following a brief break for a snack, picking our way over the boulders on the South Ridge. We still didn't get as far as Bwlch Tryfan as we headed off down another gully that looked promising before an at times soggy walk back to the car.
The Glyders from Tryfan by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Llyn Bochlwyd by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Y Garn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
...and again by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
All in all this was a memorable afternoon, finally climbing this magnificent mountain was a treat to behold and even better as we managed inadvertently to ascend by a more entertaining route than planned.
The previous day we had visited Anglesey and headed for South Stack RSPB reserve. Not many birds about this time of year but a beautiful place nevertheless. A very pleasant walk up Holyhead mountain was had which is such an amazing view point considering it's modest elevation.
Across Anglesey to the mainland by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
South stack lighthouse by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
On the way to Holyhead mountain by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Cliffs of Anglesey by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Summer colour on Anglesey by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Holyhead mountain by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Heather and quartzite by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Grace having a bit clamber about by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Holyhead by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Towering clouds over the mainland by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Epic Hughie shot by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Settling down for a snack by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking towards South Stack from the summit by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Colours on Holyhead mountain by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking back to Holyhead mountain by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
On the way back we popped to Lligwy Bay and had a bit of a paddle and play with the dog as well as a slice of fine cake at the small beach hut cafe.
Fun on the beach by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
It's a Dog's life by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Lligwy Bay by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Did somebody say cake? by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Heading back to the car by
Anthony Young, on Flickr