Crib Goch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crib Goch |
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Crib Goch from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 923 m (3,028 ft) |
| Prominence | 65 m (213 ft) |
| Parent peak | Garnedd Ugain |
| Listing | Hewitt, Welsh 3000s, Nuttall, Furth |
| Naming | |
| English translation | red ridge |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Parent range | Snowdonia |
| OS grid | SH624551 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 115 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Grade 1 scramble |
Crib Goch is a famous mountain ridge in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. It's known for its very narrow, 'knife-edged' shape. The name "Crib Goch" comes from the Welsh language and means 'red ridge'.
This exciting ridge is part of the Snowdon mountain range. Its highest point is about 923 meters (3,028 feet) above sea level. Climbing Crib Goch is not like a normal walk. It's considered a 'scramble' in summer. This means you'll need to use both your hands and feet to get across some parts. In winter, with snow and ice, it becomes a serious mountaineering challenge.
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What is Scrambling?
Scrambling is like a mix between hiking and rock climbing. It's more challenging than walking but usually doesn't need ropes or special climbing gear. Crib Goch is a Grade 1 scramble. This is the easiest level of scrambling. The hardest scrambles are Grade 3. Anything harder than that is usually called rock climbing.
Exploring the Crib Goch Route
The most popular way to experience Crib Goch is to cross it from east to west. You usually start from the Pyg Track. Early on, there's a tricky part called the 'bad step'. Here, you'll definitely need to use your hands and feet to get past it.
After this, you climb onto the main narrow ridge. You'll then tackle three rocky points, like mini-peaks, before reaching a grassy saddle called Bwlch Coch. This first part of the ridge is very exposed. This means there are steep drops on both sides. It's important to be very careful here. The Snowdonia National Park Authority says it's not a mountain for people who aren't experienced.
It's also possible to climb Crib Goch from its North Ridge. This route joins the main ridge. No matter which way you go, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast. Strong winds or icy ground make the route much harder and more dangerous.
Connecting to Other Peaks
From Bwlch Coch, the ridge climbs up again. It connects to the main Snowdon ridge through a nearby peak called Garnedd Ugain. Here, the path meets the Pyg Track again at Bwlch Glas. A large standing stone marks this spot. From here, it's the final climb to the very top of Snowdon.
To the south of Crib Goch, you can see the beautiful lakes of Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw. To the north is the Llanberis Pass.
Part of the Welsh 3000s
Crib Goch is one of the 'Welsh 3000s'. This is a challenge where people try to climb all 15 mountains in Wales that are over 3,000 feet (914 meters) high.
It's also often the first part of a longer, famous walk called the Snowdon Horseshoe. This amazing route takes you over Crib Goch, then Garnedd Ugain, Snowdon, and finally Y Lliwedd, before you return to Pen-y-Pass. It's a fantastic way to see many of Snowdonia's famous peaks in one go!
Weather on Crib Goch
Crib Goch is in one of the wettest places in the United Kingdom. Over the last 30 years, it has received an average of 4,473 millimeters (about 176 inches) of rain each year. This is why checking the weather before you go is so important!
