Y Garn and the Glyderau

Route Description for Y Garn and the Glyderau

Start this Glyderau walk by aiming for the Milestone Buttress at the base of Tryfan. The path leads up to the base of the North Ridge, where you can take your own approach towards the summit of Tryfan. This portion is mostly scrambling, with no set path to follow. The summit is crowned by the twin boulders of Adam and Eve, with plenty of fellow climbers sure to join you. Descend via the South Ridge to Bwlch Tryfan, where the striking Bristly Ridge rises from the earth. Aim for a gully to the left and start your next section of scrambling up the ridge. It’s quite exposed, but plenty of hand and footholds provide a range of options. At the Great Pinnacle Gap, descend and work around to the right of the Great Pinnacle ahead of you, rejoining the ridge path as it approaches the summit of Glyder Fach. Bear to the right as you pass the famed Cantilever Stone on your way to the top.

From the summit of Glyder Fach, walk in a western direction to the nearby rocky peak of Castell y Gwynt. The path continues west to the less exciting summit of Glyder Fawr. The descent bears northwest, bringing you along a path marked with cairns with a rather steep drop. Llyn y Cwn marks the low point between mountains, with Y Garn rising directly before you. Follow a path straight up to the summit, with spectacular views of the Glyderau all around you. Descend via the north ridge to Bwlch y Cywion, then make a final ascent up the easy slopes of Foel Goch. Now it’s time to finally get off the slopes. Turn back the way you came to start descending, then turn left at the Y Llymllywd ridge to walk to the bottom of Cwm Cywion. Continue on an eastward bearing over boggy terrain until you meet the old road that curves through the land. Follow this to the A5 and walk back to your lay-by.