A Complete Guide to the Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Circular Walk
The Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach circular walk is not an easy route. There are some challenging sections of the route, and it can be hard to find certain parts of the trail, especially during the winter when snow settles on the summits. Although not technically complex, walkers should be familiar with route-finding and comfortable climbing steep rocky scree.
Glyder Fawr, at just over 1000 metres, is the highest peak of the Glyderau range. Many walking and scrambling trails lead to the summit of this mountain, which is also the third-highest in Wales. The views from the summit are breathtaking, but this trail is not recommended for beginners. It is not easy to find the path and is best for people with more experience under challenging treks. This one requires a strong head for heights.
Walking sticks are very helpful, especially for the descent. A good fitness level is required, as there is a lot to do and places can get slippery. Proper gear is also essential. Sometimes visibility can be abysmal at the summit because of weather conditions, but the views are endless over Carneddau or Snowdon on sunny days.
Glyder Fawr (the highest peak in the Glyderau Range) and Glyder Fach (the lowest) are excellent. The former is just above 1000m and is the third highest mountain in Wales. Fach is just a few steps behind.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Circular Walk Details
Time: 4 – 4.5 hours
Distance: 8.7km
Elevation Gain: 781m
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Challenging
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Circular Walk Parking
You will need to travel to Llyn Ogwen, Snowdonia National Park, which you can access via the A5 road through the region.
You can park at Ogwen Visitor Centre, which can be reached by driving from Bangor or Betws-y-Coed in 20 minutes.
Suppose you don’t own a car. Snowdon Sherpa Bus Service departs from Betws-y-Coed to the centre. You can check out the timetable on the Snowdonia Gov Website.
The Ogwen Cottage and Ogwen Visitor Centre postcode is LL57 3LZ.
You can park in Llyn Ogwen Car Park, an official parking lot at the Ogwen Centre, but it is expensive (£6 all day) and not free. Parking is minimal, so you need to arrive early.
There are also free laybys near the central car park and along the A5, but some of these will require extra walking to the start of the trail. We managed to grab the last free spot at 9:30 am (lucky).
There is a cafe, information point and toilets here.
Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr Walk Top Tips
- There are loose scree and dangerous cliffs. You need to be prepared. We do not think this is suitable for children, nor did we see any children on the route.
- The path is easy to lose; in some cases, it is finding the best way up for you.
- Requires some scrambling and steep sections. Take poles if you are worried about the steep sections coming down, but note they might get in the way.
- Complete on a dry day, as the rocks can become slippery. We would not recommend this route if visibility is poor as it is difficult to follow.
- Sturdy/ durable footwear is needed as you’re likely to have a lot of ankle movement as the terrain is stony and rugged.
- If you want to see the area but will not be able to do a strenuous walk, you can walk to Cwm Idwal, a beautiful walk where you can see exceptional scenery.
- Take layers, waterproofs, and plenty of water, snacks, and food. There are no facilities once you set off on the walk.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Weather
You do not want it to be too cold, wet or windy. We love the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) website, as they have detailed and accurate descriptions. You need to click on the PDF, and it will give you wind, rain, and chances of clouds at the summit.
This is so useful to check whether it is worth it. The trail is complex, and part of its beauty is the views, so you want to ensure you will get the most out of your walk.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Circular Walk Directions in 10 Steps
Remember to not rely on these instructions but use them as a guide to plan your walk. Use a map, and be prepared as this can be a tricky route to navigate and complete.
Stage 1: The Car Park to Glyder Fawr
From the car park, go up the stone path to the left of the cafe and toilets, follow it up, and cross the bridge. At the small fork in the front path, turn right and continue until you reach the lake Lyn Idwal. Turn left and walk with the lake on your right.
Keep going up the stone steps, do not turn to go around the lake. Cross over the bridge below the waterfall and continue up. It is such spectacular scenery. You will be blown away.
Keep heading up towards the Devil’s Kitchen, there is a path up, but it will involve a bit of a scramble. When near the waterfall, take the left-hand path still going up as it curves around the mountain.
Go over the well-made sty and continue straight along the rocky path. Once you reach the lake, turn left and go straight up for the scramble to the top of the first peak of the day. The stretch from here is mainly made up of loose, steep scree. Although it’s only 500m, it is tricky, and there is no good place to rest. Be careful where you place your feet. It’s a good idea to be a little left from the centre.
This plateau is large and offers magnificent views from all directions.
Stage 2: The summit of Glyder Fawr to the summit of Glyder Fach
Keep going up. The path becomes less rocky and then becomes better again. Follow some cairns for the best path as you get closer to Glyder Fawr. You’re now at 1000m!
From here, turn left to head in the direction of Castell Y Gwynt. Some helpful cairns can help guide you as the visibility can be poor. You will take a slight left to head towards Castell y Gwynt and go down. You will then head up as you curve left around the peak.
It is pretty tricky to reach the top, and there are many different ways to get there. You will have to find the right one for you and your ability. This summit is unique as it comprises a colossal boulder cairn that is very difficult to climb. However, the Cantilever Stone is located just to its left.
After heading in the direction of Tryfan (which is the opposite direction to where you have just been), you can begin to head down.
Stage 3: Glyder Fach to the Car Park
There are many different routes you can take down from Glyder Fach, including Bristly Ridge. The shorter is more direct and faster but more brutal and more of a scramble and is a scree-covered path. You can instead take the longer route around by keeping it right. This will be easier on your legs, although it is still a bit of a scramble at times. Head towards the dip where you will need to turn left and go down the Miner’s Track.
Keep walking straight, and you will end up at the same place as if you would have walked straight down. You’ll have Tryfan on your right. Keep going towards the stone wall and go over the sty.
Now, you can decide to go right and detour to go up Tryfan (go there and back for a shorter route) or keep going straight and continue down towards Lyn Bochlwd. There are many stone steps. Remember to take your time, as you are now likely to be tired! There is a gorgeous waterfall on the way down, and eventually, you’ll be able to see the path you started on in front of you.
From here, retrace your footsteps and cross over the bridge. You will be back at the car park! Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach circular walk complete! Well done!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach?
It all depends on the route you choose, but usually, it takes 4 hours to climb Glyder Fawr or Glyder Fach. You will need plenty of time for the steep sections and difficult-to-find trails.
How high is Glyderau in metres/feet?
Glyder Fach stands at 994 metres, and Glyder Fach is 1001 metres.
What is the Cantilever Stone, and how do you find it?
You can find the Cantilever Stone at Glyder Fach’s summit. You will find yourself in a plateau area if you cross from Glyder Fawr. You can’t miss the Cantilever Stone once you get there!
Where is Glyderau?
Glyder Fawr, Fach and other Glyder Fawr are found in the Glyderau Range, located just north of Snowdon in Snowdonia.
Which is the best route to walk up Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach?
For scramblers, the Bochlwyd Horseshoe is the best. Walking enthusiasts will enjoy Pen-y-pass or Devil’s Kitchen.
What is the most straightforward route to Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach?
The Miner’s Track or Pen-y-gwryd may pose minor problems but can still be problematic in the mist.
Is it challenging to climb Glyderau?
Each route is different, and each one presents its challenges. You may encounter steep scree, steeply rocky ground, and tricky navigation.
What other walks can I do nearby?
You can hike to:
– Snowdon
–Tryfan (which you can tackle on this route too).
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
