The summit plateau of Glyder Fawr is one of the strangest landscapes in Britain: a field of tilted, angular rock slabs at 999 metres, with the massive castellated towers of Castell y Gwynt — the Castle of the Winds — rising from the plateau between it and Glyder Fach. This is mountaineering country in the best sense — austere, impressive, and entirely unlike the grassy summits of less demanding hills. This is Experience #6 of the Snowdonia 100.
Via the Devil's Kitchen
| Start | Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Valley |
| Route | Cwm Idwal → Devil's Kitchen (Twll Du) → Glyder Fawr plateau |
| Distance | 8km return |
| Ascent | 650m |
| Time | 4–5 hours |
| Terrain | Rough, rocky — navigation skills needed in mist |
The approach via the Devil's Kitchen is the most dramatic. From Cwm Idwal, a path climbs steeply beside the dark cleft of Twll Du — the Black Hole — where water pours from the plateau above. The exit onto the plateau is sudden and disorienting in mist: a chaotic field of rock slabs angled by ancient geological forces, with no obvious path through. On a clear day the navigation is straightforward; in cloud, it is not.
The Summit and Beyond
The summit of Glyder Fawr is marked by a trig point among the rock slabs. Continue east across the plateau to Castell y Gwynt and Glyder Fach (Experience #20) for the full ridge experience. The descent via Bwlch Tryfan and Heather Terrace to Ogwen makes a complete circular day. Alternatively, descend via the Gribin Ridge — a fine scramble in its own right — directly to Cwm Idwal.
Experience #6 of 100 — Summits category.
Independently written — Snowdon.com