Tryfan: Portrait of a Mountain

Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia National Park, is without doubt one of my most favourite places. I am not alone with this enthusiasm, as readers of UK’s Trail magazine voted Tryfan as Britain’s most favourite mountain in 2014. Not a small achievement for a mountain at only 918m/3010ft, and with many other bigger names and higher peaks to compete against.

However, when you first set eyes on Tryfan, from whichever angle you might be approaching, you will understand why this mountain is held so dear in people’s hearts.

Tryfan can easily be observed from the A5 road at Llyn Ogwen between Capel Curig and Bangor in North Wales.

A bristly outline of rock extending from the Glyderau mountain range rises to a magnificent peak before cascading down onto the road and lake.

The rock formation on the summit has given the mountain its Welsh translation Tri-faen, meaning three rocks.

Tryfan can be climbed from numerous routes, all involving a final scramble to the peak. The summit is dominated by the twin obelisk named Adam and Eve. Some hikers may follow tradition and attempt to leap from one rock to the other, but exposure on one side, may have many thinking twice, me included.

The mountain is renowned among climbers as well as hikers, due to the technical mountaineering skills required on some gully routes on the east and west face.

The views west towards Y Garn is something special.

The popular north ridge climb starts on the A5 road, and is technically demanding as a Grade 1 scramble, all the way up.

The heather terrace path offers a spectacular high level traverse route along the east face above Cwm Tryfan.

The least technically demanding climb is the south ridge approached either from Cwm Bochlwyd in the west or Cwm Tryfan in the east.

I first climbed Tryfan in 2010 and since then I have returned time and time again. I have walked the various routes to the summit, and with each climb I have come to understand the mountain better.

When hiking in the surrounding area, there is one thing that becomes apparent – Tryfan, with its distinctive profile and dominance of the Ogwen Valley, will inevitably be the prime focus of the camera lens.

Throughout the years, I have seen this magnificent mountain in sun, rain, snow and mist. Here, I wish to share some of these images in the hope to build a portrait of this most beloved mountain, and a personal favourite.

As you can see, from near or far, this most striking and iconic of Snowdonia mountains never fails to astonish. It is undoubtedly beautiful from every angle. Climbing Tryfan is always fun, exciting and a great adventure. Easily accessible from the A5 road and popular Cwm Idwal, there is no reason not to pay a visit. I promise, if you do, then it will be your friend forever.