Snowdonia circular walk around Tryfan.
This incredible walk which starts in the Ogwen valley, really is one of the finest walks I have undertaken here in the UK and one that is highly recommended.
If you are feeling up for it and have a decent level of fitness, a fairly easy scramble to the summit of Tryfan really adds to the whole experience. If you feel like camping there are two options that are actually on the route itself. The first, which is the one that I stayed at, Gwern Gof Uchaf the other which is further away from Llyn Ogwen, Gwern Gof Isaf. Both are around £6 per night, per person, links to the campsites are below.
The main reason I chose Uchaf was that it meant having less distance to cover at the end of the walk as I was staying as long as possible on the mountain for my sunset photograph.
I never actually met the owners of the campsite as they were not around, so I just pitched up and posted my cash through their letterbox.
Another good choice for this walk would be to wild camp, there are lots of good places to pitch up for the night, but if you do, make sure you are discreet, pitch up late and be on your way early. Please remember to take your rubbish with you.
Free parking is available in laybys along the A5 by Llyn Ogwen.
Tryfan walk from Llyn Ogwen
Circular route elevation approx 450m with Tryfan summit approx 700m
Circular route distance approx 6 miles with Tryfan summit approx 7 miles
Difficulty: This is a strenuous walk, going very strenuous with scrambling if you go to the summit of Tryfan
My walk started at the Gwern Gof Uchaf campsite, postcode LL24 0EU and headed away from Llyn Ogwen. I recommend taking the old miners road which actually runs behind the farmhouse at the campsite. You will see the walking track sign post next to the farm house, head through a gate and over a wall style and follow the slate gravel track. It runs a few hundred meters adjacent to the A5 and will eventually take you to the other campsite, Gwern Gof Isaf.
Before you arrive it might be a good idea to take a few shots of Tryfan as the views from this side are quite beautiful and work really well for sunrise as the sun will illuminate that face.
photo settings 100sec iso 200 f7.1 15mm
At Gwern Gof Isaf campsite you will see a ridgeline called Briach y Ddeugwm, make your way over the wall style, follow the ridge and keep as high as you can on the ridgeline, all the way until you reach the small pools of Llyn Caseg Fraith. This is another great spot to take a shot of a different angle of Tryfan. From this side you can clearly see the south peak and the wall that you will follow should you be attempting a stomp to the summit.
photo settings 250 sec iso 200 f8 24mm
At Llyn Caseg Fraith you will have ascended around 400m and travelled around 2 miles so it's a great spot to rest even if the light isn't great for a photograph. After moving on a few hundred meters you will reach the miner's track which will take you across a scree slope to the wall that you will see running up the south face of Tryfan. It's worth pointing out that the first part of the scree walk is downhill for a hundred meters or so but you quickly regain that lost elevation as you head for Tryfan. Eventually, you will reach the wall at the south face of Tryfan where you will see the wall style. As soon as you have climbed over the wall you will be greeted with spectacular views looking down the valley over Llynn Bochlwyd and on a clear day out to the Irish sea. Another great spot for a rest and a well-earned snack. At this point, you will be half way if you are not taking on Tryfan.
Decision time.
If you decide you fancy the walk up to the summit now is a good chance to check your weather app. The weather can change really quickly in the mountains and it easy to get thrown off course in poor visibility. I really recommend having the OS map app on your phone. You can pick up The OS map explorer OL17 here on Amazon https://geni.us/FCh1f Make sure to buy the one that has the downloadable version. This will clearly show the route to the summit as it is so easy to veer off course on the final 100-meter scramble.
Starting off you will follow the path that veers slightly left, but you should head back to the wall and keep the wall on your right as you head up and over the south peak. This section is clearly marked as the path is well trodden. Eventually, the stone wall will come to an end and you will see a wall style on your right. Ignore that and try to find the start of the summit scramble which is just to the left.
You will be able to make out the scramble as the rocks are well worn, just keep looking ahead as it is easy to veer off the path and then things become a lot more difficult. I found this out and had to turn back after 50 metres or so. Next up its a fairly easy scramble to the summit. There is only one dodgy part which steps up to a very exposed edge, just stay to the left here and you will be golden.
The views from the top are just incredible and well worth the slog.
After relaxing on the summit for a while your decent will begin, from here you will just retrace your steps back to the start of the wall. Next, you will descend down to Llynn Bochlwyd but it is well worth stopping for some jaw-dropping images of the valley that lies beneath.
photo settings 50sec iso200 f8 24mm 2 shot pano
The path will continue on the right-hand side towards the start of your final descent to Ogwen cottage.
As you reach the end of Llynn Bochlwyd you will see the outflow which is the start of Nant Bochlwyd, You will need to cross this and follow the path that runs beside it all the way to Ogwen cottage. It's an easy path to follow as it is made from placed stones and runs to the left-hand side of the stream. The rest is straight forward. Come out of Ogwen cottage back on to the A5.
Make your way back to your car or campsite. Happy days :)
Things to look out for -
With this being a circular walk, Tryfan will always be on your right-hand side unless you are standing on it. Having it on your left will mean you have veered off course. There are countless photographic opportunities along the way, I usually pick out a couple for each of my hikes, I try to focus on spending longer working a composition and getting the most from the scene than trying to shoot lots of different things.
That being said when the clouds come in and the light is fleeting, photographic opportunities will come thick and fast so having a good telephoto lens is a must for this walk. Keep your eyes open and be prepared to get your gear out and shoot handheld if required.
A polarizer and soft edge graduated filters will help in difficult lighting situations.
If you are carrying a lot of gear, walking poles will be a big help on this walk. Walking poles really help to take the pressure off your knees when wearing a heavy pack, especially when descending. The areas around Briach y Ddeugwm and Llyn Caseg Fraith will become particularly boggy during prolonged wet spells. Similarly watch out for clouds of midges during warm spells. You will find that it can often be very warm in the valley but completely different up in the hills. During my hike, the temperature varied from 15 degrees Celcius to 3 degrees Celsius.
Take plenty of layers, waterproofs and several litres of water. For photography, I particularly liked the area of Llyn Caseg Fraith and Llynn Bochlwyd, but there are lots more images to be had on this hike. Hunt them out and you will be rewarded.
Ogwen cottage will offer all the facilities you will need from toilets to a cafe. You can also park there but there is a charge, 20 minutes is free though. Parking on the pavement outside of Ogwen cottage is not advised though as I have heard of people getting a ticket there.
photo settings 250 sec iso 200 f8 140mm
I hope you enjoy the walk.
Please feel free to share this post on your social media if you think others might like it, also check out my youtube video for a good look at the terrain and route. Feel free to print this info out and take it with you if you think it will be helpful on your journey. I would love to hear about your hike if you choose to take on this cracking circular route of Tryfan from the Ogwen valley.
Enjoy ATB Ian
campsites
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Gwern Gof Uchaf http://www.tryfanwales.co.uk/
Gwern Gof Isaf https://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/
