Climbing Tryfan in Snowdonia Video

Wild camping on the side of Tryfan mountain, and cooking up a wild mountain man breakfast.

As with many of my Glyderau and Carneddau hiking and camping trips, this one started out with parking on the A5. There’s plenty of free parking, although it does fill up quickly on the weekend and in the holidays, so get there early.

From there it’s a short but brutal climb up to the summit of Tryfan. It sits at only 917 metres in elevation, but for some reason, Tryfan always kicks my ass. It’s a huge pile of rocks and boulders, and getting up there with a big backpack is never easy. Every stride feels like a squat. Proper punishment!

On this occasion it was foggy, that’s why I made the trip. For the off chance that the cloud would either invert or produce something otherwise spectacular. It didn’t……. yet.

After an interesting climb, I arrived at the summit a few hours later to find the twin monoliths, Adam & Eve, inside of a cloud. Thick grey heavy wet fog everywhere. Great.

It did however give the mountain that wonderful surreal atmosphere. With no perspective of how high you are, and no sound other than the gentle breeze, your own footsteps and a few wild mountain goats shuffling around the summit. Their hard feet occasionally causing a racket as they clamber over the rocks at a ridiculous speed.

You can then gain “the freedom of Tryfan” by jumping between the Adam and Eve stones. I’ve done this a few times, it’s not for the faint-hearted, the consequences of messing this up are quite severe. But in my case, it’s more of a step than a jump anyway, thank you long legs.

After securing my freedom I made the short hike over the back of Tryfan, descending down towards Llyn Bochlwyd, in the direction of Glyder Fach and Fawr, and found a wild camping spot overlooking Llyn Bochlywd itself.

I was now back underneath the thick heavy dark grey cloud, but it wasn’t going anywhere, so I settled down into the tent and hoped for better weather in the morning.

The weather cleared overnight and the sun rose behind Tryfan mountain through a thin layer of mist. Absolutely incredible!

I’d have preferred a bit of cloud, to be honest, but I’m happy to accept clear skies over that thick grey blanket of the night before. So I did what any good mountain photographer would do. Made some excellent images, black coffee and a bacon and sausage sandwich.

A nice gentle sunny hike back down to the car allowed for some lovely crisp views of both the Glyderau and the Carneddau mountains, and for me to finally dry out from the dampness of the previous day.

Some of those Tryfan mountain shots made it into the Snowdonia Collection of The Art Locker. They’re quite something. Beautiful scenes of Tryfan and the Glyderau.

Being in the right place at the right time is so so difficult, but very rewarding.

Essential equipment used on this trip was a Sony A7iii camera, a cheap old tent and a beef and tomato Not Poodle. No expense spared.

Full gear list HERE.

Cheers

Chris

An Art Locker preview….

Let’s connect on Instagram

About Tryfan Mountain

Tryfan is a mountain in Snowdonia National Park, located in North Wales. It is one of the most iconic peaks in the park, known for its distinctive shape and challenging terrain. Rising to a height of 917 meters (3,010 feet), Tryfan is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and mountaineers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the most unique features of Tryfan is its pointed summit, which is separated from the main body of the mountain by a narrow col known as Adam and Eve.. The climb up to the summit of Tryfan is not for the faint of heart, with steep and rocky terrain that requires a good level of fitness and experience.

Despite its challenging nature, Tryfan is a popular mountain with hikers and climbers of all skill levels. There are several routes to the summit, ranging from easy walks to more technical climbs. One of the most popular routes is the North Ridge, which offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The East Face is also a popular climbing route, offering a challenging ascent that requires technical skill and experience.

While Tryfan is a beautiful and rewarding mountain to climb, it is important to remember that it can also be dangerous. The steep terrain and unpredictable weather conditions can make the ascent treacherous, and it is essential to be properly prepared before attempting the climb. Hikers and climbers should always check the weather forecast and carry appropriate clothing and equipment, including a map and compass, first aid kit, and emergency whistle. It is also recommended to climb with a partner or group, as the terrain can be challenging and accidents can happen.

In addition to its challenging terrain, Tryfan is also known for its rich history and folklore. Legend has it that the mountain is home to the spirit of a giant known as Twm Sion Cati, who is said to have once roamed the surrounding hills. The mountain is also said to be the site of an ancient battle between King Arthur and the giant Rhitta Gawr, who is said to have worn a cloak made from the beards of his enemies.

Overall, Tryfan is a mountain that is steeped in history and legend, offering a challenging and rewarding climb for hikers and climbers alike. Whether you're looking for a technical climb or a scenic hike, the mountain is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Snowdonia National Park. Just remember to come prepared and always respect the mountain's power and beauty.