Tryfan North Ridge Scramble
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‘The only way to the top of this mountain is to use your hands’.
Tryfan is a mountain that sits in the Northern part of the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, and forms part of the Glyderau group of peaks. Reaching the height of 917 meters is one of Britains most recognisable mountains; its goes up to a peak (or rather 3 peaks) and drop down. The sides are festooned with rugged crags, ridges and gullies, which provide a thrilling playground for climbers and scramblers alike.
We will meet for breakfast at the Siabod Cafe before heading off to our park-up at a lay-by on the A5 next to Tryfan.
Our route will take us up the classic grade 1 scramble of the North Ridge, which rises steeply from the road, and keeps going and going, providing us with a great deal of ‘hands on rock’ fun.
The board rib that forms the North Rib is comprised of scrambly sections interspersed with less steep areas, which allow you to catch your breath and your heart rate to calm down. Also, exposure to big drops relativity small when compared other scrambles of this grade in the Ogwen Valley, which makes it a great choice for those new to the discipline. Those that want an additional challenge will have the opportunity to scramble up the North Tower, an ominous, towering feature near the final section which is at the top end of the route’s scrambling grade. However, this can be easily bypassed for those not ‘feeling it’.
From the summiting at ‘Adam & Eve’ (two blocks that mark the tope of the mountain) we will take the easiest down route - South Ridge to Bwlch yr Tryfan before following the path back towards Llyn Bochlwyd, across to Bochlwyd Buttress and then back to our start point on the A5.
Also, although this route is suitable to those new to scrambling, you will still need to be a experienced and fit mountain walker, be confident on your feet and with a head for heights. It is important to note that you will be scrambling up a mountain only just shorter than the height of Snowdon, and even a fit mountain walker will find this day much more physically challenging than hiking up the highest mountain in Wales.
Make sure you read the Kit List. You do not need a climbing helmet for this event. However, if you would like to borrow one to wear please let me know.
Please note that the event may be liable to change or cancellation due to inclement weather.
Pictures by Andy Hewlett
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What to bring
Standard kit list for a mountain hike as below. You do not need a climbing helmet for this scramble, however if you wish to wear one I came provide one, just let me know.
Also, although the scramble is possible with standard walking boots, you would feel more secure with a firm soled scrambling boot.
Water: Bring around two litres
Head torch: Useful for walking back at dusk
Medicines: Any you carry as standard, e.g. if you have hay fever, diabetes, etc.
Day rucksack: Typically 30 plus litres, as they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: See above. Waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking/scrambling. There will be muddy sections. Trainers are NOT suitable.
Socks: Proper walking socks to help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters
Layered clothing: So you can quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: No jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry quickly and on warm days, shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: Essential when hiking, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry quickly
Waterproof Trousers: Essential, even if the forecast is for no rain
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof, and bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat: Stay warm in cold weather or for protection against the sun
Sunglasses: For any sunny day
Snacks: Bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit, for example, and put them somewhere easy to access
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
It is a good idea to bring a change of clothing if the weather is cold and wet to change into for the ride home.
I will conduct a quick kit check before we set off to ensure everyone is suitably equipped for a cold and wet day in the mountains.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of high energy food for a long day in the cold. A flask of something hot will serve you well.
If the weather is poor we’re more likely to stop for short snack breaks than a long lunch. Pack accordingly.
Arrive well hydrated so you can carry less water.