Scrambling in Snowdonia

Mountain scrambling is an active and rewarding day out if you fancy a change from the normal walking routes up a mountain.

You will be on the hill for a full day, we usually start around 08.30 and aim to be back by 17.00. Routes will be matched to your current level of ability. If you have a particualr route in mind that you have always fancied then please let us know.

Scrambles are generally graded from 1 - 3 with some of the most famous mountains such as 'Tryfan' and 'Grib Goch' giving routes around grade 1/2. You don't have to be super fit to enjoy some of the routes available but it does help if you've already got some general mountain walking experience.

For an explanation about scrambling grades read our guide.

Tryfan 915 metres grade 1/2, Routes from the south are good for novices, North routes are a little more physically demanding.

Tryfan (pronounced - tr'van) in the Ogwen Valley is probably the best 'mountaineers' mountain in the area. It has many classic traditional rock climbs and has a labyrinth of scrambling routes that tackle its North west to North east Ridge, all the routes are in the grade 1/2 category.

Many great days of scrambling can be had on this mighty mountain, its definitely best to go with a guide on your first visit as once you get to 'Piccadilly Circus' there are a multitude of directions to choose from and they aren't all easy grade 1/2! Tryfan is also home to the 2 big pillars that crown the top of the mountain, Adam & Eve, some people even jump from one pillar to the other! but with a drop of a few hundred feet on one side you would need nerves of steel and some very sticky soles on your boots!

Y Gribin & Glyderau 999m grade 1/2

This is a slightly longer and more demanding day as we head up from the Ogwen Valley to Y Gribin ridge. The ridge sits between Cwm Cneifion on the west and Cwm Bochlwyd on the east. Initially the route starts as a broad rib which then narrows as height is gained, becoming more of a scramble in nature and a little narrower, those with a head for heights can try to stick to the ridge proper on the left, Or for an easy escape and less exposure you can trend rightwards. The finish of the ridge brings us out between Glyder Fach 994m in the east and Glyder Fawr 999m in the west. Depending on how much time we have left and how fast we are moving will dictate our descent route, either across to Devils Kitchen or over to Cwm Tryfan.

Grib Goch 1001 metres grade1/2, a little more experience needed

Crib Goch ( the red ridge) is in the Snowdon Massif area and forms part of the route called the 'Snowdon Horseshoe', this is also a grade 1/2 scramble but is not for those with a fear of heights or exposure. The route starts as a broad rib then as height is gained with some good scrambling the rib turns into a horizontal ridge, a classic knife edge ridge with steep sides and a very narrow top.

This is a great day out, usually starting at Pen Y Pass in the Llanberis Pass and then taking the PYG Track to the start of the Grib Goch ridge, the route tackles the knife edge ridge and then continues on to another mountain called Garnedd Ugain. There's the option of carrying on to Snowdon Summit if you have any energy left, otherwise its back to the PYG track and a choice of return using the Miners Path or PYG back to Pen Y Pass.

Cneifion Arete grade 3 ( mod'-rock grade) not for novices

This is in the Ogwen valley and is tucked away high up in Cwm Cneifion (the nameless cwm). This is a superb arete with an alpine feel to it, with compact rock and lots of flakes and spikes to grab its a good place to practice moving together whilst roped-up. Once again you will need a head for heights and exposure, this is definitely for the more experienced scrambler.

You will need to bring

A small rucksack of no more than 35 litres in size, a flask, headtorch, food and water for the day, spare fleece top, warm hat, warm gloves, waterproof jacket/coat, waterproof over trousers, sturdy walking boots/walking shoes, a camera?

As you would expect mountain weather can change rapidly so its best to have the right clothing and footwear for a day out scrambling, typically a good pair of boots or approach shoes, a small rucksack with a spare fleece, head torch , small 1st aid kit and waterproof bottoms as well as your food and water, in essence its far better to be self reliant when your out in the mountains even if you are going for a mountain walk.

We will provide

All technical equipment and group emergency kit as well as fully qualified instructors.

Prices

Grade 1/2 scrambling day

Grade 3 scrambling day. Instructors on these days are MIA holders.