Epic Grade 1 Scrambles in Snowdonia

I created this guide on Instagram of Scrambles in Snowdonia as a way of tracking my journey and logging my achievements as I take on grade 1’s this year, so thought I would share it here also for anyone wanting to take them on.

Snowdonia is the ultimate playground for hikers, scramblers and climbers, with so many beautiful mountains and epic routes on offer, you would never get bored! I’ve always loved hiking and being on more rocky terrain and the start of 2020 sparked an interest in scrambling for me, so I booked a course with Gemma at Snowdon Hikes to help build my skills and confidence for exposure and ridges.

After a few wobbles last Summer on some scrambles in Snowdonia, it took me a while to get the confidence to get back to scrambling this year. I set myself a goal for 2021 to tick off 10 grade 1’s, including my number one goal of completing Tryfan North ridge, which I ticked off this month!

The routes in this guide include Snowdon, Glyders, Carneddau, Eifionydd and outlying areas.

Here are my grade 1 scrambles in Snowdonia completed so far (updated as I go)

Please note: these routes can get dangerous, it’s very easy to go off track and end up in a tricky spot, so please don’t take on any of these routes if you’re not experienced, or without a proper guide and researched route!

Tryfan North ridge

Location: Tryfan, Ogwen
Grade: 1 ⭐⭐⭐
Approach time: 20 mins

My favourite scramble route so far for sure! This was on my list for next year, however after building up my experience I decided to tick it off with my guide @mountainsanmacros.

This is a popular route meaning it can get busy during peak times, so either start early or late on weekends to avoid the crowds. Parking on the A5 near the start of the route, around 20 minute walk to the start point and then it’s mostly hands-on scrambling to Tryfan summit. Descending via the south ridge.

Seniors Gully

Location: Cwm Idwal, Ogwen
Grade: 1- ⭐
Approach time: 35 mins

This route is up there as one of my favourites, I’ve done this 3 times now and each has been as fun as the first time. You can either scramble the gully and descent or go on to Seniors Ridge following the Gully. I’ve done both. But the Gully then Ridge is a great one.

Follow the path in Cym Idwal from the cottage to the idwal slabs, then Ascent to the left of the slabs. The route to the start of the Gully is relatively simple. The Gully is mostly hands-on but not much exposure. A good route for beginners.

(Leads on to Seniors Ridge)

Seniors Ridge

Location: Glyder Fawr, Ogwen
Grade: 1 ⭐
Approach time: 1 hour

Another route with little exposure. I found it best to approach via the Seniors Gully route as it tops out at the start of the Ridge. And both can be done in around an hour depending on pace.

There are a few descent options, but both times I’ve taken the path NW from the summit of Glyder Fawr, via the scree to Llyn y Cwn and then down the Devils Kitchen.

Y Gribin Ridge

Location: Glyders, Ogwen
Grade: 1 ⭐
Approach time: 40 mins

I took on Gribin Ridge during a scrambling day course I booked to help build my confidence with exposure. This route certainly tested my nerves and helped me to overcome some of my mental blocks. Approach from Ogwen cottage on the Cwm Idwal path, ascending the stream path to Llyn Bochlwyd.

The Ridge path is clear and well travelled, exposed in parts but the Ridge itself is walkable, I’m not a big fan of ridges with exposure but I was fine on this. Descend via the summit of Glyder Fawr, down the scree and then the Devils Kitchen and back to Ogwen cottage.

Tryfan South Ridge

Location: Tryfan
Grade: 1 ⭐
Approach time: 1 hour

Relatively easy scrambling, with very little exposure. I took on this route as I wasn’t confident enough yet for the North ridge but wanted to see Tryfan. It worked out well as it helped build my confidence for the North.

Easy hands‑on scrambling to the summit, with one step at the top with a drop next to you. The most incredible views from the summit. Descending via the same route.

Moel Siabod Ridge Circuit

Location: Moel Siabod
Grade: 1‑ ⭐⭐⭐

Parking near Pont Cyfyng. Approaching through the woods and open moorland after around 2km you should arrive at a small lake and Quarry where you continue left to the south east ridge.

The Ridge is well used and can vary in difficulty and exposure depending on the route you take up. Relatively easy scrambling, with little exposure. Follow the North East Ridge down.

Recommended Scrambling Book for Routes in Snowdonia, with detailed information.

For more info and detailed guide on Scrambling in Snowdonia, check out this book on Amazon by Steve Ashton, this guide has also been recently updated and is the most accurate book I’ve found. Small and handy to keep in your backpack.