Scrambling — using hands as well as feet to ascend steep rocky terrain — occupies the exciting middle ground between hillwalking and rock climbing. Eryri is one of the great British scrambling destinations, with routes ranging from the exposed knife-edge of Crib Goch to the sustained rocky steps of Tryfan's North Ridge, from the moderate but magnificent Bristly Ridge on Glyder Fach to the secluded scrambles of the Carneddau. The variety and quality of scrambling terrain within the national park is exceptional.
Grade System
| Grade 1 | Easy scrambling — hands needed occasionally, little serious exposure |
| Grade 2 | Moderate — sustained use of hands, some exposed moves |
| Grade 3 | Difficult — serious exposure, technical moves, rope useful for less experienced parties |
The Great Eryri Scrambles
Tryfan North Ridge — Grade 1
Britain's most celebrated easy scramble. The North Ridge of Tryfan rises in a series of rocky steps directly from the A5 to the summit — a sustained Grade 1 scramble with enough interest to keep experienced mountaineers engaged and enough good holds to make it accessible to capable beginners. The summit is marked by two natural pillars, Adam and Eve, between which tradition demands a leap. The route is approximately 2km with 600m of ascent and takes most parties 2–3 hours.
Crib Goch — Grade 3
The most famous — and most serious — scramble in Wales. Crib Goch's knife-edge ridge connects to Snowdon's summit as part of the Horseshoe route and involves sustained exposure on both sides of the ridge crest. In good conditions it is a thrilling and memorable experience. In wind, mist or icy conditions it becomes a serious undertaking requiring rope, experience and sound mountain judgement. It is not suitable for beginners or anyone uncomfortable with heights. See our Crib Goch guide for full details.
Bristly Ridge — Grade 2
The approach to Glyder Fach from Llyn Bochlwyd involves a sustained Grade 2 scramble up a broad ridge of rhyolite rock with good holds and excellent views. Less frequented than Tryfan's North Ridge but equally satisfying, Bristly Ridge offers a direct approach to the extraordinary rock architecture of the Glyder plateau. Allow 3–4 hours from the Ogwen Valley.
Snowdon Horseshoe — Grade 2/3
The full Horseshoe circuit — Pyg Track to Crib Goch, over the summit, and back via Y Lliwedd — represents the finest mountain day in Wales for competent mountain users. The combination of Crib Goch's Grade 3 scrambling, summit views, and the satisfying ridge traverse of Y Lliwedd makes it one of the great British mountain routes. Allow 7–9 hours and ensure all party members have the experience and fitness to complete the full circuit.
Independently written — Snowdon.com