A Guide to Walking up Mt Tryfan Snowdonia Wales
Located in the Ogwen valley of Snowdonia National Park, Tryfan is an exciting climb and one that should be your ‘next adventure’; if you don’t mind scrambling on all fours at times, it is more climbing than walking – don’t underestimate it. In our guide, we share ideas about how to climb Tryfan and share the different routes you can take to make it to the top.
It takes its name from its shape, which looks like a shark fin – thus Mount Tryfan (Tri-faen) translates as ‘three rocks’ or some say ‘Try and ban means’ top peak – so ‘very high peak’. The information is conflicting.
With a height of 917.5 m (3,008 ft), the mountain is crowned as the 15th highest mountain in Wales and one of Britain’s best mountains – once named Britain’s favourite mountain by Trail Magazine. You might even spot one of the Feral Goats!
Tryfan has notable rocks or monoliths’ Adam and Eve (Sion a Siân in Welsh)’ and ‘The Cannon ‘, which are popular to photograph at the summit. People jump between them, but we are definitely not that brave. Besides, we didn’t want an injury, which is not the place to get one. Risky- there’s a 1.2m gap! If you manage it – you have gained the ‘Freedom of Tryfan’.
Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation’s headquarters is near the foot of Tryfan. It is a convenient spot because nearly a third of its 50 volunteers receive callouts from this hill.
Tryfan Weather
We recommend checking out the weather forecast before you set off. It would help if you left prepared for this challenge.
We constantly check the Met Office and also MWIS before we go. Mountains can be a scary place if you’re unprepared. The latter offers a detailed forecast of the mountains, which you will need.
Tryfan Parking
There are many routes up Tryfan, but all routes begin near the A5, near the mountain’s base. There are laybys where you can park for free along Llyn Ogwen.
Please follow the Google Maps Directions here.
You can also follow the Tryfan Postcode: LL57 3LZ, but please remember this is not always accurate in rural locations.
The nearest toilets are at Ogwen Visitor Centre. There is also a small shop selling coffee and snacks.
Top Tips for hiking up Mt Tryfan
- Remember, this is a scramble and is not your average hike. You must reach the top by finding your route and lifting yourself. Therefore, you will need a decent level of fitness.
- Do not hike by yourself unless you are very experienced. If you get into trouble, you will need someone to help you.
- Wear walking boots. You are scrambling on large rocks, and trainers will not have the support you need.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions as they can change suddenly without warning. Take a waterproof coat, layers, gloves and a beanie (suncream too).
- The Map you will need is OS Landranger 115/ Explorer OL17.
- Do not attempt in rainy or snowy weather, as it is far too dangerous. Unless you are an experienced course, you will need the right gear, including an ice axe, rope and helmet, especially if you plan to climb in winter. We recommend a dry day with good visibility to avoid any complications.
Routes up Mt Tryfan – How to Climb Tryfan
You can reach Tryfan from many different routes, and it is said that each time you climb Tryfan, you’ll do a different route.
Tryfan North Ridge
Elevation: 600m
Distance: 2km
Time- 3-4 hours
Tryfan North Ridge is one of the most popular routes up Tryfan and probably the hardest. It starts near the A5 road and goes about one mile (1.5km) east of Ogwen Cottage. The easiest route up the ridge is the Grade 1 scramble. The difficulty can increase significantly if the easiest route is used throughout, especially in the upper sections.
The famous rock “The Cannon”, visible from the valley at 45 degrees, is located about a third of the way up and is very popular for photographs. Three-quarters of the way up in the North Tower. It can be avoided or climbed directly at a Grade 2 difficulty. It is your choice!
Tryfan South Ridge
Elevation Gain: 600m
Distance: 3.2km
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The south ridge is another popular route to climb Tryfan (via Bristly Ridge) to Glyder Fach. The col between Tryfan & Bristly Ridge is where the route starts at Bwlch Tryfan. You can reach the col by following a path from Idwal Cottage to its west through Cwm Bochlwyd.
Tryfan North Ridge to South Ridge
Elevation:600m
Distance: 4.2km
Time: 3 hours
The Tryfan circular walk starts and ends at Llyn Ogwen’s car park. It then climbs the North Ridge to Tryfan’s summit and returns via Llyn Bochlwyd and the South Ridge. It is also possible to continue to Glyder Fach and then down Cwm Idwal. You can also summit Tryfan from the south ridge. The trail takes you to Bristly Ridge and Glyder Fach.
Heather Terrace
Elevation: 707m
Distance: 6.7km
Time: 5 hours
The Heather Terrace is one of the easier ascent routes. It follows the East Face geological feature. It runs underneath major climbing routes and leads to the bwlch. From there, the South Ridge can be used to climb to the main summit. However, this requires some scrambling. It is still a challenging hike, even if it is easier than the North Ridge. Someone has died thinking that it was the easy way up.
What is an easy route up Tryfan?
The easy route up Tryfan is the South Ridge or the Heather. Although it is still known as a grade 1 scramble and very difficult, it is just less demanding than the other routes up Tryfan. Of course, we don’t want to scare anyone. We just want adventurers to be prepared and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tryfan Mountain
Where is Tryfan Mountain?
Mt Tryfan is in the Glyderau mountains in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.
Has anyone died on Tryfan Mountain?
Many people wonder how many deaths there are on Tryfan; the answer is 17 deaths over the last 30 years. It is dangerous and has claimed the lives of numerous climbers and walkers. 2015 was the deadliest year, with 3 deaths on Tryfan.
The number of Callouts to Tryfan over the Last 30 Years is 516, and the majority of callouts occurred in 2017, with 33 and 2009 and 2012 saw 32 callouts.
How high is Tryfan?
Mt Tryfan is 917m tall.
How long does it take to climb Tryfan Mountain?
It usually takes 4-5 hours to climb Tryfan. Of course, this will depend on your ability.
Is there anywhere I can rock climb near Tryfan Mountain?
Milestone Buttress, located at the base of Tryfan, is a popular spot for climbing. It is only a 10-minute walk from the nearest layby. It is the most popular route, and there are often long lines of people waiting to climb it.
Where can I stay near Tryfan?
You can camp close to Tryfan at the following sites:
You will also find YHA hostels throughout the region, with the closest being in Idwal Cottage, where the mountain’s base is just a short distance away.
The Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre Capel Curig also features a bunkhouse and an indoor climbing wall. There are also many hotels, hostels, and campsites in the surrounding towns of Bethesda, Betws y Coed, and Capel Curig.
Can I make the Tryfan walk longer?
Yes, you can combine this walk with a route up to Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, which means you will be able to tick off 3 peaks. Please read our guide to this walk: Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Walking Guide
There you have it. We hope you enjoyed our complete guide on how to climb Tryfan. Remember to plan accordingly, be prepared, and enjoy the adventure but never underestimate Mountain Tryfan. Oh, and have lots of fun. Any questions/comments/ insight – feel free to share in the comments to help our audience!
If you’re nearby, you could check out the beautiful Aber Falls for a much easier walk, if you want to see an impressive waterfall. We recommend it!
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.