One of my favorite hikes in Snowdonia, the UK, and potentially the world, Tryfan Snowdonia is something that absolutely should be on your list if you’re yet to tackle it.
If you’ve driven through Ogwen Valley, then you’ve pondered over the might of Tryfan. One of the most visually impressive mountains in the Snowdonia range, and one you absolutely have to add to your list if you’re visiting Snowdonia.
Jutting out of Ogwen Valley like a sail fin or a dragon’s back, the might of Tryfan could be admired for a lifetime. But hiking brings as much joy and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best hikes in Snowdonia.
Quick Facts about Tryfan Snowdonia
- Distance: 5km with 600~m of elevation gain
- Summit Elevation: 918m
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Best travel time: Early morning for sunrise or for sunset
- Difficulty: Ensure you’ve got the right kit for this route
- Parking: Anywhere in Ogwen Valley
High Points of the Tryfan Snowdonia.
- One of the best hikes I’ve ever done.
- Incredible summit views over Ogwen Valley
- Adrenaline filled scramble the entire way up.
- The famous Cannon rock about 3/4 of the way.
Low Points of the Tryfan Snowdonia.
- Ensure you’ve got the right skills, and navigation skills for this hike.
- Easy to get lost on this route so ensure you’ve got the skills to naviagte properly.
How to get to Tryfan Snowdonia.
Located in Ogwen Valley, it’s really not a difficult mountain to spot. Looks as though it has been placed amongst the other mountains in the valley.
Parking is easily accessible throughout the entire Ogwen Valley. Although parking at the base will mean less of a walk to and from the trailhead. However, if this is not possible then it isn’t too much of an added walk to get there and back.
The Route up the North Face
This isn’t a route for you if you are inexperienced in various fields. Navigation can be difficult and a wrong turn can put you in some serious trouble. There’s some sketchy scrambling to be done. There’s also some height exposure to deal with too.
However, if you’re confident with the above, and fancy one of the best mountain days of your life. Pick a good weather window and get the North Face of Tryfan Snowdonia ticked off.
For full route details, I used AllTrails:
Tryfan via North Ridge Circular
The start of the route is relatively straightforward and is a set of steps that lead up to the first lot of scrambling.
There are some cairns along the way for the route, but I try and take a direct route up as it’s the easiest way I’ve found personally. Try not to go right or left too much as the other faces can pose a bit more of a challenge.
The route, if paying attention, can be seen but it is difficult to lose your way.
About 3/4 of the way up this route you’ll be faced with the cannon rock. Sticking out of the side of Tryfan. An impressive rock, no doubt. Have you got what it takes to walk the length of it?
My Experience of Tryfan Snowdonia
One of my favorite mountains anywhere in the world. A fun scramble, that can be done in no time at all, but you could spend an entire day weaving in and out of the rock face.
I have lost count of the times I’ve been to the summit and done the famous Adam and Eve jump. Each and every time it cements the fact that Tryfan is hands down the best hike in Snowdonia, potentially the UK and possibly Europe.
My recommendation would be to leave before Sunrise, and reach the summit as the sun is rising in the east. Casting a golden light throughout the Ogwen Valley and shining light on your path to the summit.
What to do after Tryfan in Snowdonia
If you’ve chased a sunrise then it would be rude not to stop at Moel Siabod Cafe on the way home for an incredible breakfast. If not breakfast, at least a round of toast and a massive hot drink to get you warm again.
Maybe you could head into Betws-y-Coed, visit the Swallow falls, get a bite to eat, and sit by the river.
If you’re looking for a good drive, then head back through Ogwen Valley. One of the best valleys in the world, hosting a plethora of hiking and climbing routes from the Ogwen Valley cottage.
If you’re heading back on the A55 you could stop at Aber Falls and visit the most impressive waterfall in Wales:
Aber Falls Hike in Snowdonia
Or if you’ve still got some juice in the legs and still fancy another adrenaline-filled scramble, you could head out to my second favourite route in Snowdonia:
Moel Siabod via Daear Ddu ridge, Snowdonioa
If you’ve any questions about hiking Tryfan in Snowdonia, then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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