Glyder Fach (SH 656 583) is the smaller neighbour of its sister peak Glyder Fawr (SH 542 579). At 995m it is the second highest peak in the Glyder Range and is also one of the most impressive. During the last ice age the summit of the mountain protruded above the ice sheet as a nunatak exposed to a harsh Arctic climate that heavily weathered its bedrock. This weathering led to the summit becoming covered by a myriad of broken stone and boulders capped by several large tors, from one of which the famous cantilever stone protrudes. One of these tors is the famous Castell y Gwynt (SH 654 581; translates as Castle of the Wind) which is situated to the west, sitting astride a broad ridge that connects the two Glyders. Not only does this tor offer a superb foreground to photographs of Snowdon it also presents some hugely entertaining bouldering set within a dramatic location. Although when viewed from Snowdon the mountain appears unimpressive and rounded, its northern slopes consist of a series of steep cliffs riddled with deep gullies and jutting buttresses. These cliffs offer a range of climbs and scrambles, probably the most popular of which is Bristly Ridge, a fine Grade 1 scramble with plenty of exposure that connects Glyder Fach with its northern neighbour Tryfan (SH 663 593).

Castell y Gwynt (Photo by vancouver islander)

Routes

This section summarises some of the most popular routes on Glyder Fach, for a more detailed description of the various routes available I recommend the following guidebooks:

Ridges of Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Scrambles in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Climbers Club guidebook to Wales: Ogwen and the Carneddau
Rock Climbing in Snowdonia
The Long Routes: Mountaineering Rock Climbs in Snowdonia and the Lake District
Welsh Winter Climbs (Cicerone Guide) by Malcolm Campbell and Andy Newton

Scrambling

Exposed scrambling on Bristly Ridge (Photo by Nanuls)

Bristly Ridge (Grade 1)

This famous and aptly named ridge links Glyder Fach and Tryfan via Bwlch Tryfan. One of many routes that ascend Glyder Fachs northern face this route takes a direct, logical and exhilarating line up the centre of a broad Arête. The start of the route takes the climber up a series of gullies before taking them up and over a series of pinnacles and steep rockfaces generously furnished with handholds. An easy and hugely enjoyable route.

The Chasm Face (Grade 3)

The most impressive of the sharp edged columns of rock which protrude from the north west face of Glyder Fach are clustered above and to the left of the Alphabet slab, a distinctive feature at the foot of the Alphabet Slab, a very distinctive feature at the foot of the cliffs. It is through these sentinels that the Chasm Face route finds its way. The scrambling is varied and takes the climber up walls and ramps into a trap escaped by a hole in the wall.

Main Gully (Grade 1, but probably Grade 2 - See Additions & Corrections)

A quality scramble through a gloomy gully that isn’t really a gully at all, but a rocky depression between the buttresses of the Chasm face and the protruding bulm of the main gully ridge.

Main Gully Ridge (Grade 2 or 3)

This blunt ridge that rises above Alphabet Slab provides the most direct line of ascending Main Cliff. The scrambling is nicely exposed and technical, though the difficult start can be avoided if necessary.

East Gully Ridge (Grade 2 or 3)

This ridge, which overlooks East Gully makes an excellent scramble. The difficult first section is completely avoided by a traverse from Alphabet Slab, while the intricacies of the middle section can be, if necessity dictates, be flanked on the gully side. Good belays can be found at intervals.

Shark Buttress (Grade 3)

This fun but wandering line seeks out the best from the central area of terraced buttress. Complex route-finding and surprising escapes add to the anxiety and interest.

Dolmen Ridge (Grade 3)

The curving line of Central Gully defines the right-hand side of the huge face taken by Shark Buttress. On the left side of the gully, at about half height, stands the compact, triangular crag of Dolmen Buttress. This excellent scramble crosses Central Gully to ascend the right edge of Dolmen Buttress, then uses the left-bounding ridge of the gully to gain the Glyder Fach plateaux just a few metres from the summit tors.

Climbing

View from Castell y Gwynt (Photo by Nigel Lewis)

Sunrise over Glyder Fach (Photo by igneouscarl)

Tryfan and Glyder Fach (Photo by Nanuls)

The Cantilever (Photo by BigLee)

Gamma (S 155ft/47m)

A delicate line up the centre of the Alphabet Slab. A diagonal chimney/crack line is the prime feature of this slab – Beta (diff) and Alpha (VS) climb the slab on the left, whilst Delta (V Diff) lies right of Gamma. The start is below the chimney/crack on a subsidiary terrace, and climbs 14m up a shallow groove, and continues until a horizontal traverse left leads to a stance and belay on the edge of Beta. It then climbs a further 24m left into a narrow crack, and finishes 9m up a wall on small holds to a tricky finish.

Chasm Route (V Diff 265ft/80m)

A deep narrow fissure just to the left of Main Gully gives an interesting climb. The start is directly below the Chasm at a rocky rib, 9m to the right of The Capstan.

Lot’s Wife (VS 110ft/33m)

A fine and enjoyable climb taking the face of the pillar between the Direct Route and Chasm Route, and starts at the foot of the Chasm proper, or slightly lower.

Lots Groove (HVS 110ft/33m)

Although this route is at the lower end of its grade, it’s a superb pitch, both delicate and strenuous with good protection. The route shares the same start as Lot’s Wife.

The Direct Route (HS 300ft/91m)

An excellent traditional expedition which, when combined with the Rectangular Excursion (avoiding Gibson’s Chimney, VS) and the winter Finish, has only one short difficult section – the Hand Traverse. The start is located at the Capstan on the left of the rib.

Slab Climb by the Spiral Variant (V Diff 235ft/71m)

A very enjoyable route taking a line up the buttress left of the Direct Route, the start is located at the Capstan.

Oblique Buttress (S 200ft/59m)

A fine climb taking the left hand side of the East Buttress. Start from the foot of the lowest rocks some 37m left of the Luncheon Stone, where a rib runs up to a prominent crack.

Hawk’s Nest Buttress (S 185ft/56m)

This hugely enjoyable route lies on he West Buttress and climbs a narrow pillar of rock, the left edge of which forms a prominent knife-edged Arête 46m right of East gully. The route is best approached by a traverse right from the top of Alphabet Slab and starts below the arête on the terrace.

Hawks Nest Arête (VS 120ft/36m)

An excellent route providing some of the best climbing on the crag. The start is located on the left hand side of the terrace some 6m left of Hawk’s Nest Buttress.

Winter Climbing

Climbing on Bristly Ridge (photo by sadeik)

Bristly Ridge (Grade II 200m)

This classic summer scramble turns into a quality and somewhat more strenuous winter route when covered in snow and ice, with some great situations on the upper pinnacles.

Main Gully (Grade II 260m)

The lower 120m of the climb holds the most interest; thereafter a broad depression leads easily onto the summit plateaux. The steep icy pitches of east gully, some 100m to the right are skirted in favour of a devious but easier approach.

East Gully (Grade III/IV)

This is the true, direct start to main gully, and is very steep. The amount of ice in the chimney varies greatly, but when it is in condition provides a fine steep ice-pitch.

Central Gully (Grade II/III 250m)

A fine climb, slightly flawed by the width if the gully and all the possible variation. The first 100m provides the technical interest if taken direct, but the faint hearted will find soft options just to the right.

Plaques Route (Grade II/III 250m)

A pleasant, if rather vague climb which uses the iced slabs to gain access to broken snow slopes. A long haul finds the plateaux above.

Western Gully (Grade II 130m)

To the right, but before the face begins to swing round there is a vaguer and undistinguishable line which becomes more so as it rises. However the initial stages provide a snow groove of fair interest. It runs parallel to the Gully of the Winds route (below) some 30m away. It is possible to start directly below the line or traverse in from higher up to the right just below a line of rock walls.

Gully of the Winds (Grade I 75m)

A buttress looms at the back of the cwm as things begin to steepen, so veer up the shallow corner to the left, keeping one hand on the rock to the right all the way!

Col Gully (Grade I 70m)

The slope and gully direct to the col at the rear of the cwm provide a straightforward route to the plateaux.

Mountain Conditions

This section displays the weather forecast for Bethesda, which is located just to the north and is one of the nearest major towns to the mountains summit area. Remember that Bethesda is around 150m above sea level whereas Llyn Ogewn (where most walks start) is over 300m above sea level, and Glyder Fach itself reaches 994m. This means that when looking at temperature the adiabatic lapse rate must be taken into account which in Wales is a drop in temperature of between 0.5 and 1°C per 100m in altitude. Exposure and wind speed can also significantly lower temperatures.

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar | Hurricane Center

When to Climb

Glyder Fach can be climbed at anytime of the year from Glyder Fawr and Pen y Gwryd or via the Bristly Ridge, however in poor conditions some routs are best avoided particularly if visibility makes route finding difficult. Of course this all depends on ones ability as a mountaineer/climber, and what might be comfortable for some may seem daunting for others. It is worth noting that some areas of rock, particularly those that have been heavily abraded, can become very greasy when wet.

If your lucky enough to climb the mountain in winter conditions then an ice axe (or ice axes on the harder routes), crampons, a helmet, a rope and a descent winter rack (if going for a more serious route) are all essential.

Getting There

Glyders from Snowdon (Photo by Nanuls)

Conveniently, Glyder Fach is located very close to both the A5 and the A486 meaning that there isn't a long approach to the bottom of the mountain, making it one of the most accessible mountain in Snowdonia.

If approaching from the north or west, e.g. from Liverpool or Hollyhead, turn off the A55 and onto the A5 at the large junction (SH 593 694) that sign posts for Bethesda
and follow the road until Llyn Ogwen where parking is available.

If coming from the east, take the A5 through Bettws y Coed (SH798 599) and Capel Curig (SH 719 580) which will take you directly to the base of the mountain.

If driving from the south, take the A470 through Blaenau Ffestiniog (SH 700 458) to Bettws y Coed, and turn off onto the A5 towards Bethesda which will take you the same way as if coming from the east.

There is plenty of parking along the A5 near Tryfan, some of which you have to pay for, some of which you don't. My advice is to never bother with the official car parks and just park along the roadside. There is a wide 'pavement' type verge on the southern side of the road that can easily accommodate the width of a car or minibus, and is completely free and never full (even on bank holidays). It also allows you to park even closer to the base of the mountain and the start of the path.

There is also parking to the south at Pen y Gwryd and Pen y Pass. Pen y Pass car park (SH 647 555) is located at the zenith of the Pass of Llanberis, and can be reached easily by road on the A4086 that runs between Llanberis (SH 582 598) and Capel Curig (SH 719 580). Owing to the sheer number of routes that start there the Pen y Pass car park often fills up quickly so if you want to park there a very early start is recommended. There is also parking and a good starting point around 1.5km to the east along the roadside near the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel (SH 660 558). Do not park in the hotels car park as this is for guests only.

Red Tape

No red tape here, just walk, scramble and climb. Although there is no red tape however it is worth checking the countryside access map provided by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) regarding whether or not any restrictions on movement in the area are in place.

Countryside Access Map

Camping and Accommodation

There is plenty of camping in close proximity to Glyder Fach: Gwern Gof Uchaf Campsite, Gwern Gôf Isaf Campsite and bunkhouse and Garth Farm Campsite can all be found nearby just to the east.

There are also a number of YHA hostels in the area, the nearest of which is Idwal Cottage, a short walk from the base of the mountain. The Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig also has a bunk house, and has its own indoor climbing wall if you still feel energetic after your day on the mountain. Also the nearby towns of Capel Curig, Bettws y Coed and Bethesda all have various hotels, hostels, B&Bs and campsites.

Maps

View Larger Map

Navigation Maps

OS 1:25k Explorer Series OL 17 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa
OS 1:50k Landranger Series 115 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa
Harvey Map Services 1:25k Snowdonia: Snowdonia The Glyderau and the Carneddau
Harvey Map Services/BMC 1: 40k British Mountain Map: Snowdonia

Road Maps

OS Road Map 9 Wales/Cymru & West Midlands

Guidebooks

Snowdonia (Official National Park Guide) by Merfyn Williams
The Mountains of England and Wales: Volume 1 Wales (Cicerone Guide) by John and Anne Nuttall
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 1 (Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 2(Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Ridges of Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Scrambles in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Climbers Club guide book for Ogwen and the Carneddau
Climbers Club guide book for Llanberis
Rock Climbing in Snowdonia
The Long Routes: Mountaineering Rock Climbs in Snowdonia and the Lake District
Welsh Winter Climbs (Cicerone Guide) by Malcolm Campbell and Andy Newton

External Links

Glyder Fach and Bristly Ridge

General

Snowdonia National Park Authority
Conwy County Council
Gwynedd County Council
Local Information from Gwynedd.com
Local Information from Snowdonia Wales Net
North Wales Index
Countryside Council for Wales
The National Trust
CADW
Royal Commission on Ancient & Historical Monuments in Wales
Gwynedd Archeological Trust
British Mountaineering Council
The Climbers Club

Weather

Mountain Weather Wales
Weather from the Met Office
Weather Channel UK

Travel

Welsh Public Transport Information
Uk Train Timetable
Welsh Highland Railway

Accomodation

Youth Hostel Association in Wales
Idwal Cottage
Pyn y Pass YHA
Capel Curig YHA
Plas y Brenin
Gwern Gof Uchaf Campsite
Gwern Gôf Isaf Campsite and bunkhouse
Garth Farm Campsite
Dolgam Campsite and B&B Capel Curig

Maps and Guidebooks

Ordnance Survey
Harvey Map Services
Cicerone Guidebooks
Climbers Club guidebooks

Images



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