Getting Ready for your Meet Your Mountain Walkshop - Ridges of Resilience - Tryfan

Get some Air

This Meet Your Mountain Walkshop is a proper big mountain day, stunning scenery plenty of airy exposure to get the heart pumping, taking on four classic Grade 1 scrambles on some of the best rock in the UK.

The scrambling starts almost as soon as you leave the layby next to Llyn Ogwen, as we scale the North Ridge of Tryfan (its resemblence to the Lonely Mountain is purely coincidental). Next, we descend down our second scramble, Tryfan’s South Ridge, before, heading up Bristly Ridge to the other-worldly summit of Glyder Fach. Our final scramble of the day is our descent of Y Gribin to Llyn Bochlwyd, before returning to the start.

The distance covered over the day may seem small compared to some of our other Walkshops, but make no mistake, this is a big day which will push your limits. We will stop at points throughout the day to to share stories, get to know our relationships with resilience, and support each other throughout the challenge. At the end, we’ll head off for some reflection and a pizza in nearby Betws-y-Coed (‘Bettuss’, in case you were wondering).

The Rotue

There is so much happening on this one, but here are the main bits to expect:

1. The scramble to the scramble

Soon after we leave the layby and over the stile, we’re already starting to get our hands on rock to help us along. Once we’re over the second stile, and at the foot of the formidable Milestone Buttress (don’t worry, we circle around it), we are making our way up a very steep path. Eventually we head up over the rocks to our right, and find ourselves at the start of the North Ridge.

2. Fun on the North Ridge

The first part of the North Ridge is pleasant and fun, with no exposure and plenty of routes to follow. We’ll detour to the famous cannon stone and get some good photos of us standing on this seemingly-preciptous ledge, before pressing on. Eventually we’ll find ourselves at the bottom of a wall or rock…

3. The North Tower and Tryfan summit

Yep, we need to go over those rocks. The scrambling from here is pretty intense, but with plenty of holds and lots of routes. The crux of the whole North Ridge route is probably the first few moves to start your climb of the North Tower - it soon returns to walking, with the occasional steadying hand and clamber up steps. The route continues - never quite as intense as the start of the North Tower, but with pretty steady scrambling all the way to the summit.

There is an alternative route that avoids the North Tower - instead we head onto the summit bypass path, before taking the top of the North Gully up to the summit. This is still quite a serious scramble, but probably with a little less exposure.

On the summit, you’ll be greeted by Adam and Eve, two standing stones. For the daring (and anyone capable of clambering onto these monoliths) you will be granted the ‘freedom of Tryfan’ if you make the step between the two.

4. Tryfan’s South Ridge

We make our way down Tryfan’s South Ridge. This is probably the easiest scramble of the day, with mostly walking and the occasional short climbdown. We end up on a small col between Tryfan and neighbouring Glyder Fach.

5. Oh so Sinister

We make our way along the wall, before entering a cavernous gully. Sinister Gully (Sinister being the Latin for ‘left’ rather than meaning anything more… well… sinister) involves a steep, stepped climb, with plenty of steadying hands along the way. We’ll emerge at the start of Bristly Ridge.

6. Bristly Ridge

Bristly Ridge is probably the most exposed scramble of the day. The relative safety of the large bouldering area of Tryfan is long forgotten, as we make our way across the ridge, heading up and down a number of crags with large drops on both sides. The crux of this route is a climbdown to a small and exposed ledge, and once there, you’ll come face to face with a seemingly impossible large pillar of rock. As you stand contemplting your life choices, we’ll lead you around the pinacle, where you can climb up behind it, where the route starts to ease, not long after you’ll find yourself standing on the totally other-worldly summit of Glyder Fach.

7. Are we on the moon?

The boulder field and rock-formations on the summit look totally alien. With shards of rock, shooting out of the ground, you might think you’re on another planet. We’ll follow the path towards neighbouring Glyder Fawr, and on a clear day, Crib Goch and Snowdon will be visbile across the valley.

Before reaching Glyder Fawr, we’ll take a path off the summit, and onto another ridge

8. Y Gribin

The descent of Y Gribin is very doable after Bristly Ridge, and we scramble down. If we’re still up for some more scrambing after that, we can then descend via ‘False Gribin’ to extend the adventure.

9. The Come Down

We arrive at Llyn Bochlwyd, nestled in a huge mountain cauldron. The scrambling is done now, and we can reflect on the day, and decide whether we’re ever going to face anything scarier at work than this.

Is this going to be scary?

This is a big day out, and I would say how you find it largely depends on your relationship with heights. Tryfan itself is actually quite fun, with a lot less exposure than you might expect, though Bristly Ridge is pretty hairy in places. We will of course be guiding you along the way, coaching you on how to traverse the rocks, and have an exciting day.

Route Walkthrough

What to bring

The biggest question on most people’s minds is' ‘What should I bring with me?’

I have created this video which goes through how to pack your bag for a day out in the hills

If you have been hillwalking before, it’s likely that you already have most, if not all, of the equipment required for an expedition. For ease, we have provided a list below of what we would expect you to have brought with you.

Please note that in the interests of safety, we do not take anyone out who would be put in danger, given the terrain and conditions, due to insufficient kit. If you have any questions, doubts about your kit, or are looking for recommendations, please contact us.

Your Kit List

Walking Boots

Please bring boots or shoes suitable for walking in, preferably waterproof. If you do not know which footwear would be suitable, please get in touch and we can assist. Vibram soles are good if you have them or can get them. Trainers are generally not recommended for this sort of route, but sturdy walking trainers, approach shoes or trail shoes should be okay if you are used to walking with them, and struggle with walking boots.

Walking Socks

Merino walking socks are great, but there are some good synthetic options. Thickness depends on your preference and choice of walking boot. Also pack a spare pair as well – these will be very welcome if your feet get wet

Base Layer

A number of affordable synthetic options are available, and merino wool is very good, but more expensive. Ideally thicker and long-sleeved in cold weather, thinner and short sleeved in summer. Cotton t-shirts are not recommended most of the year, but are fine in summer if dry weather is forecast.

Walking Trousers

Comfortable trousers, suitable for walking in. Technical trousers or stretchy soft-shell trousers are recommended. Please avoid non-synthetic tracksuit bottoms, jeans or cotton trousers on hill or mountain routes. Shorts can be worn, but be aware of the presence of ticks carrying Lyme Disease in summer months.

Fleece, lightweight mid-layer, and/or shower-proof primaloft jacket

One of the options above to use as an insulation layer, plus an additional layer between October and March. Note that the temperature on the hill may be lower than in the valleys.

Waterproof Jacket

This should be able to withstand showers and persistent rain. Essential regardless of forecast.

Waterproof Trousers

Should be brought if rain is forecast, optional (but desirable) if not.

Hat and gloves

Please bring a hat and gloves. Even in summer, the weather can close in quickly, and summits can be chilly.

Rucksack

Sufficient size to carry your kit - 10-20L is usually sufficient. Pack a couple of plastic bags or stuff sacks to keep wet things separate, and dry things dry.

Water

Please carry a minimum of 2 litres of water in total. There are no refill points on the route.

Sun hat and sun cream

There is no shelter at all on the route, so both are essential if any sun is forecast.

Hill food

Please bring lunch and snacks for the day. High-energy snacks are best.

Torch/headtorch

Please bring a small torch if advised – we are not likely to need it, but we never know what may happen on the day.

Personal Medication

Please bring any medication you require. If you have been prescribed an inhaler or Epipen, it is VITAL that you bring them.

Walking Poles

Optional, and pack a pole by all means, but you’re not going to be using it on much of this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do you have to be?

The most strenuous part of this day is probably the first leg from the layby to the start of the North Ridge of Tryfan.

Beyond here, a reasonable level of agility is needed, and I’m not going to lie, your arms are going to ache the day after

I would definitely get some practice on steep hill climbs or steep mountain tracks to build up your legs for this one.

Do I need to know how to climb? Or scramble?

Grade 1 routes are technically just steep sections that hill walkers are able to move over. Most sections are simply stepping up or down rocks, with your hands in holds to steady yourself, and the worst sections may have two or three climbing moves.

That said, you don’t need to know how to climb or scramble, and we do not expect to use a rope at any point. We’ll be on hand to coach you around how to move over the rocks, if this is your first time.

Can I bring my dog?

Not for this one I’m afraid, as you will need to focus all your attention on moving over the ridge, so the last thing you want is to be doing is focussing your dog’s attention away from the sheep. 

Where does it start?

We will meet in the Siabod cafe in Capel Curig, but the walk starts at in a large layby on the A5, next to Llyn Ogwen, which we will drive to. Car parking is free, but it does get very busy at weekends

How long will it take?

Including the points where we will stop for the ‘workshop’ elements, the route will take approximately 6 - 6 1/2 hours, with an additional 1 1/2 hours in the pizza bar at the end. To put into context, this is a fairly leisurely pace. We recommend setting aside 8 hours for the whole day (plus travel time)

What time do we start?

The start time can vary, so please check the details of your booked event. We always request that we meet 15 minutes prior to setting off. We can vary the start time in summer, but in Autumn and Spring we usually need to make use of the available decent daylight, which can mean a fairly early start (0630-0700).

'Decent... Daylight'? What happens if we get delayed and it gets dark?

Coming back in the dark is unlikely, but not an issue. We know the route well, and are also experienced of walking and navigating in the dark.

How busy will the route be?

The route gets very busy on Saturdays in summer, but less so during the week. It is noticably quieter on weekdays in the fringe seasons.

Do I need special equipment?

Check out the equipment list and video above, but in brief, you'll need some grippy walking boots, waterproofs, non-cotton/denim trousers and an insulation layer. You'll also need to pack a rucksack with enough food and water for the day.

Can I stay locally?

There are two campsites near Tryfan, with more a short distance away. I usually stay in the van at Doglam, which is on the edge of Capel Curig. Capel Curig is the nearest village, with Bethesda and Betws-y-Coed a little further away. There are also several self-catering/AirBnB-style locations

What about after the challenge?

We will drive to the Hangin Pizza bar in Betws-y-Coed after the event, where we can talk about the day, reflect on our experiences, and set our intentions that we’ll take back with us to the office.

Are there refreshments and toilets on the route?

There is nothing on the route at all - we are in a ‘wild-wee’ situation.

Hang on, what about…?

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.