The View Across at the summit of Snowdon
Having lived in and around Llanberis that is at the foot of North Wales’ highest and most famous mountain, Snowdon for over 14 years. Even before I moved here I had climbed some of the classic scrambles, however in the years since becoming a ‘local’ I have become extremely intimate with the mountains, and know some like old friends.
As such I have favourite climbs, scrambles and walks that I simply love to do time and again. Whilst Snowdonia isn’t the highest mountain range in the world, the alpine terrain on a mini scale make it perfect for day trips.
For me one of the most perfect days out, and a route I have guided several people round is what I refer to as the Cwm Glas Horsehoe. Most of the route makes up the most exciting part of the more famous Snowdon Horseshoe however the added start and finish route make for an exciting day out.
Jammed Boulder Gully
You’ll need Steve Ashton Scrambles in Snowdonia for this route but essentially you start up Jam Boulder Gully (Grade III) which does exact what it says on the tin, you climb a slippy gully up to a boulder the size of a semi-detached house and then chimney up behind it. From the top it is possible to walking over to the base of The Parson’s Nose (GradeII/III) a fine ridge with some very interesting rock formations. It is one of the routes that you feel like you are travelling through geologic time.
Cresting the ridge after the main difficulties are over on the Parsons Nose
This lands you on the main Crib Y Drysgyl/Crib Coch ridge (Grade I) which despite only being a grade one scramble is a serious place that takes about 3 lives a year, where people simply stumble and then they are gone. A an example of a Knife Edge ridge created by glacial erosion there is none finer north of the Chamoix Aguilles.
Scrambling along Crib Y Drysgyl looking towards Crib Coch, the route heads in the opposite direction to the people scrambling in this shot
Follow the the ridge to the end of crib coch, the masses will head down towards the PYG track, however to complete the horseshoe and return directly to your car you need to take the North Ridge (Grade II). This less travelled route is looser than the main descent, however it is manageable with a little caution. As well as adding more scrambling to the route on a good day the views down the pass towards my home town of Llanberis are simply an amazing way to finish a day on the hill.
Looking down from the Knife edge ridge of Crib Coch
FOOTNOTE: This is a very serious route. This blog is mainly aimed at experience climbers. As such they have the skills to safely use ropes to protect themselves. As a experienced mountaineering instructor and member of the local rescue team I can’t recommend more highly that any scramble that is Grade III will have at least one section on it that will require some kind of ropework. If you are not able to use a rope and basic climbing equipment consider hiring a guide or doing an Advanced Scrambling course before attempting such a route as described here.
Crib Coch