Rugged, dragon-backed and often cloud-piercing, Tryfan is one of the most iconic peaks in Wales.
But with around 200 mountain rescue call-outs a year, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Only experienced hillwalkers should attempt an ascent of the 917.5m mountain, and those going up should be prepared for all weathers and rough terrain – take waterproofs, food, water, sun protection, a map and compass, and wear sturdy footwear.
The final stretch to the summit is a Grade 1 scramble, which though not too challenging technically can be physically demanding.
Those who do make it to the summit will be in good company – Sir Edmund Hillary used the mountain as a training ground before successfully climbing Everest with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953.
Tryfan walk
3.3 miles/5.4km (return) | 4-5 hours | challenging (note: includes grade 1 scramble) | 615m ascent
1. Start
Arrive at the car park to the right of Ogwen Cottage (LL57 3LZ), the National Trust Ranger Centre on the A5 between Capel Curig and Bethesda. (The car park and ones near it often become full – at busy times, it’s best to take a bus.)
A modern building houses public toilets and the Ogwen Snack Bar (take-away only), while the YHA’s Idwal Cottage hostel is just next door. Head to the left of the snack bar to join a broad well-maintained stone path. Cross a footbridge and head upwards along a stone path marked on maps as the Cambrian Way.
2. 0.2 miles
After about 300m, turn left at an obvious but much narrower path (the main path swings right to Llyn Idwal) and continue upwards. When you reach a fork in the path, head right and onto rock-strewn pathless ground. Continue heading for the left-hand side of the impressive Glyderau mountain group, with Tryfan to your left.
3. 0.8 miles
You can have a rest at Llyn Bochlwyd. To the left of the lake, cross the Nant Bochlwyd stream by stepping from rock to rock wherever it’s easiest to do so (there’s no footbridge or well defined crossing point). The obvious path continues heading towards the Glyderau before bearing left after about 250m as it snakes its way through outcropping rocks. After a further 600m, on the Bwlch Tryfan pass, ignore a path off to the right (this takes the Cambrian Way onto the Glyderau) and continue upwards.
4.1.3 miles
On reaching a saddle in front of a dry-stone wall with a ladder stile, turn left (do not go over the stile). The stony path heads off at a 45-degree angle to the wall to pass below the Far South Peak.
5. 1.5 miles
When you reach another wall with a ladder stile (again, don’t go over it – that path leads to the Heather Terrace), the scrambling begins in earnest. You can choose whichever route you’re comfortable with. This is listed as a Grade 1 scramble which, though not too challenging technically, can be physically demanding and continues all the way to the summit.
Return the same way you came.
Tryfan map
More great walks in the area
