Tryfan South to North Route, Ogwen Valley, Eryri (Snowdonia) – Part of the Glyderay Group. Famous for the Adam & Eve Stones.

Region: Tryfan, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales

Places To Stay: Betws-y-Coed is a popular base with shops and places to eat, while Capel Curig or Ogwen Valley give quicker access to Tryfan. Tryfan is remote – book early: Stay in Snowdonia | Find Ogwen Valley stays.

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Tryfan is one of the most iconic peaks in Wales, and is in the Eryri(Snowdonia) National Park. Tryfan is a jagged, rocky mountain that offers a proper hands-on scramble from the very start. This is a route for experienced walkers with a good head for heights. If you’re after a challenge beyond your typical hillwalk, Tryfan delivers – big views, boulder-hopping, and the legendary Adam and Eve stones on the summit.

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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: National Trust parking near Ogwen Cottage (postcode: LL57 3LZ)
• Google Maps link: Tryfan South Ridge trailhead (West End of Llyn Ogwen)
• Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
• You can also follow and save this route via my Outdooractive profile

Hike Profile

• Distance: 3.3m / 5.3km
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Highest point: 3,009ft / 917m
• Difficulty: Challenging – Grade 1 scramble, exposed, and very rocky
• Route conditions: Scrambling and hands-on climbing in places – not a walk for beginners

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Hike Description

Tryfan is one of the most iconic and recognisable peaks in Wales, and for good reason — its rugged, rocky profile stands out even in a range full of giants. But don’t let the relatively short distance fool you: this is one of the most serious mountains in the UK. It’s also the mountain that sees more callouts from mountain rescue than any other in Snowdonia. A combination of exposed scrambling, steep drops, and walkers straying off-route means you need to come prepared, both physically and mentally.

The route starts near the West end of Llyn Ogwen at the National Trust, and this area is part of the Glyders, a mountain range in Eryri(Snowdonia). This is a challenging climb, there are no easy routes, just this one is easier than the others, and there is a serious risk of falling.

Leaving the National Trust Car Park, after a 5 minute walk you will come to a fork and you need to take the left path. There’s no gentle warm-up here, you will eventually reach Llyn (Lake) Bochlwyd, and on reaching the lake keep it to your right, and follow the path.

As you gain height, the views open up over the Glyderau range and down to Llyn Bochlwyd below. The summit is crowned by the iconic twin monoliths, Adam and Eve – many walkers pose here, but leaping between them is optional (and a bit mad!).

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Tryfan South to North Route, Ogwen Valley, Eryri (Snowdonia) – 3D Walkthrough

At the top, you’ll reach the iconic trig point on Yr Wyddfa — the roof of Wales. On a clear day, the views are outrageous: across to Anglesey, over to Cadair Idris, and deep into the heart of Snowdonia. Even on cloudier days, it’s a proper achievement and one to remember.

From the summit, retrace your steps to the junction and take the Miners’ Track downhill. This path is a gentler alternative to the Pyg, with wide, sweeping views across the Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw lakes. The descent is scenic and steady, passing old mine buildings and dramatic glacial valleys as you make your way back towards Pen-y-Pass.

There are several descent options, but none are particularly easy. The North Ridge is another steep scramble with lots of down-climbing, while the Heather Terrace offers a slightly more forgiving return — but is still rocky and exposed in places. Whichever route you choose, the descent demands concentration and patience. Many accidents happen on the way down, when tired legs and poor weather can catch people out.

Always check the weather forecast before setting out — Tryfan should be avoided in high winds or low cloud, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route. Mobile signal can be patchy, and rescue access is difficult. If in doubt, turn back or choose a safer route nearby like Y Garn or Pen yr Ole Wen. Mountain rescue teams in Snowdonia are incredible, but let’s not give them extra work.

Tryfan FAQs

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