Join an experienced guide for a memorable scramble up the North Ridge of Tryfan – one of the most iconic mountains in the UK. This hands-on ascent offers a proper mountain day out with exciting terrain, amazing photo opportunities, and expert support to help you navigate one of Eryri’s most celebrated peaks safely and confidently.
Your day begins beside the A5 at the foot of Tryfan, where you’ll meet your guide and check your kit before starting the approach. The climb begins quickly, with a short walk leading straight into a boulder field. From there, the scrambling starts and doesn’t really let up until you reach the summit. The North Ridge has no single path, so your guide will choose the most appropriate lines for the group, keeping the experience safe, supportive, and fun. You’ll pass iconic features like the Cannon Stone – perfect for a daring photo – and continue through slabs, ledges and short chimneys that demand both hands and feet.
Further up, you’ll face the North Tower, a more continuous section that requires a bit more commitment, but you’ll be rewarded with brilliant views all the way up. The summit itself is marked by Adam and Eve – two pillar-like rocks that top off this classic Welsh scramble. Your guide will share the story of the “Leap of Faith” and make sure you’ve got time to enjoy the summit before heading down via the South Ridge. Weather and conditions allowing, the descent might include a stop at Llyn Bochlwyd – with the option for a refreshing dip if it’s warm enough.
Tryfan sits in the Glyderau range of Eryri (Snowdonia), rising sharply from the shores of Llyn Ogwen between the Carneddau and Glyderau ranges. The mountain’s jagged profile makes it instantly recognisable, and its North Ridge is widely considered one of the best scrambling routes in the country. This is proper mountain terrain – steep, rocky and exposed – offering brilliant views across the surrounding peaks and valleys. The area is also popular with climbers, so expect to share the mountain with others on busy days.
Participants need a good level of fitness and mobility. If you’re confident walking uphill for extended periods and comfortable on rough, uneven ground, this day will suit you well. Tryfan is not a good choice for anyone who struggles with heights or finds themselves unsteady on rock. The North Ridge involves continuous scrambling, and while your guide will support you, previous experience of mountain walking or easier scrambles is recommended.
The team is made up of experienced, local guides who know the mountain and weather patterns inside out. They’re used to adapting the day to match the needs of the group and will always put safety first while helping you get the most from the experience. Wild Wales has a strong reputation for delivering exciting mountain and water-based days out across North Wales, with a friendly, professional approach that keeps people coming back.
No previous scrambling experience is necessary, but you should be confident with hill walking and have good balance and mobility. The North Ridge of Tryfan involves frequent use of hands and feet, so being comfortable on steep, uneven ground is important. If you’ve done some basic scrambling or rough hillwalking before, you’ll be well-prepared for this route.
With a guide, you’ll be supported throughout the day, including route choices that suit your ability and conditions. Your guide will help with foot placements, provide encouragement, and offer assistance on trickier sections. This support makes the day enjoyable even if you’re new to scrambling, and removes a lot of the stress of route-finding.
The North Ridge is considered a Grade 1 scramble, which means there are no technical climbing moves, but hands are required for most of the ascent. You’ll be climbing up rock slabs, over ledges, and through short chimneys – it’s steep, exposed in places, and physically demanding, especially if you're not used to this kind of terrain.
The challenge is made easier with guidance and route selection. Your guide will choose a line that suits your confidence level and make sure you avoid more committing variations. While it's not a walk, it’s a fantastic way to experience a proper mountain day, especially with support from someone who knows the mountain well.
You’ll need sturdy footwear with a grippy sole – trail or approach shoes are okay if they have good tread, but most people are more comfortable in supportive hiking boots. Waterproof clothing is essential, along with warm layers, a hat and gloves, even in summer, as the weather can change rapidly on the mountain.
Also bring a small daypack with enough room for water, high-energy snacks or lunch, and anything you need personally (e.g. medication, spare socks). Trekking poles can be useful for the walk off the hill, but they won’t be used during the scramble. Your guide will carry safety equipment and emergency kit, but you're responsible for your own clothing and food.
Tryfan is a serious mountain and scrambling becomes much more difficult and dangerous in poor weather. Slippery rock, high winds and low visibility can quickly turn an enjoyable day into something much more stressful and risky. Your guide will assess the weather ahead of time and may adjust the route or postpone the day if conditions aren’t suitable.
In most cases, we’ll aim to go ahead if it’s safe to do so, possibly altering the route or using an easier descent option. If weather makes it unsafe to attempt Tryfan at all, you’ll be offered an alternative day out, a reschedule, or a refund, depending on what’s possible. Safety is always the priority.
This experience is designed for adults and older teenagers with good fitness and mountain sense. It’s not suitable for young children due to the sustained scrambling and exposure, which demands maturity, physical capability, and concentration. Teenagers aged 14+ may take part if accompanied by a responsible adult and comfortable with steep, rocky ground.
Older adults are welcome provided they’re in good shape and used to walking uphill for several hours. The key factor isn’t age but balance, strength, and comfort on rough terrain. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable, just get in touch with the organiser to talk it through before booking.
About the centre
Amazing experience!!! Exceeded all expectations and then some! First timer but felt so safe in Emma’s hands. Stunning swim locations, beautiful lodgings, delicious food, relaxing and restorative yoga all with the loveliest of people! Made so many wonderful memories in such a short space of time. Can’t wait to do…
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