Day 1
Our first 8-9 hour hike will start in the Ogwen valley and head up the east ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen. This involves some mild and short-lived scrambling through ‘the choke’ (less than Grade 1). From the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen we’ll continue on a fantastic ridge walk along the Carneddau range over Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewelyn (second highest mountain in Wales), Foel Grach, Garnedd Uchaf and Foel-fras. What a day!
Grade: Walk
Distance: 18.5 km
Height gain: 1250m
Time: 8-9 hrs
Day 2
Our Day 2 route will head straight up the North Ridge of Tryfan. The North Ridge is a Grade 1 scramble, and is a strong start to the day but can be made harder or easier depending on what is preferred (the benefit of being with someone that knows the variations well, like I do). The continuation to Glyder Fach is via Bristly Ridge is a slightly more difficult Grade 1 with challenging sections which are less avoidable than on Tryfan. After Glyder Fach is summited, then we continue to complete the Glderau 3000ft peaks with Glyder Fawr, Y Garn and Elidir Fawr.
Grade scramble: 1 (some use of hands, relatively straight forward route)
Distance: 18 km
Height gain: 1400m
Time: 8-9 hrs
Day 3
Our final day will take on the Snowdon Horseshoe, which involves the summits of Crib Goch, Snowdon and Lliwedd. Crib Goch has an exposed ridge. Although ‘just’ a grade 1 scramble participants do need a head for heights. We’ll take it slowly on this section, and because the group size is small (maximum four people), I will be able to coach you through the tricky sections.
Grade scramble: 1 (some use of hands, relatively straight forward route)
Distance: 11 km
Height gain: 910m
Time: 6-7 hrs
A challenging feat pushing you to your limits, you’ll have to dig deep on this one