Tryfan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tryfan |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 917.5 m (3,010 ft) |
| Prominence | 191 m (627 ft) |
| Parent peak | Glyder Fawr |
| Listing | Marilyn Hewitt, Welsh 3000, Nuttall, Furth |
| Naming | |
| English translation | very high peak |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Conwy, Wales |
| Parent range | Snowdonia |
| OS grid | SH664593 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 115 / Explorer OL17 |
Tryfan is a famous mountain in the Ogwen Valley, located in Snowdonia, Wales. It is part of the Glyderau mountain group. Tryfan is well-known for its unique, pointed shape and rugged, rocky cliffs. It stands at 917.5 meters (about 3,010 feet) above sea level. This makes it the fifteenth-highest mountain in Wales.
The name 'Tryfan' comes from the Welsh language. It means 'very high peak'. Many people love Tryfan. Trail magazine even voted it Britain's favorite mountain!
For a while, people thought Tryfan was a bit shorter. But new, very accurate measurements showed its true height is 917.5 meters. This confirmed that older maps were correct all along. Legend says that Tryfan is the final resting place of Sir Bedivere. He was a famous knight from the stories of King Arthur.
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Climbing Tryfan Mountain
There are many ways to climb Tryfan. Some routes are easy scrambles. A scramble means you use both your hands and feet to climb. Other routes are tough rock climbs for experienced climbers.
Popular Climbing Paths
The North Ridge Path
The North Ridge is a very popular way to climb Tryfan. It starts near the A5 road. This is about 1.5 kilometers east of Idwal Cottage. Idwal Cottage is a youth hostel. Ogwen Cottage, an outdoor center, is also nearby.
From the road, a path goes straight up the ridge. This is a Grade 1 scramble, meaning it's a bit challenging but fun. You can make it harder by choosing more direct lines. About one-third of the way up, you will see a special rock. It is called "The Cannon." It points upwards at a 45-degree angle. You can see it clearly from the valley below.
Higher up, you will find the North Tower. This is about three-quarters of the way to the top. You can go around it to the right. Or, you can climb it directly, which is a Grade 2 scramble.
The South Ridge Path
You can also climb Tryfan using the south ridge. This path connects Tryfan to another mountain called Glyder Fach. The route starts at Bwlch Tryfan. This is the low point between Tryfan and Bristly Ridge.
You can reach Bwlch Tryfan from Idwal Cottage. A path leads up from the west. It goes through a valley called Cwm Bochlwyd. This valley is home to a lake called Llyn Bochlwyd.
Famous Rocks on Tryfan
Adam and Eve Monoliths
The very top of Tryfan is famous for two tall, pillar-like rocks. They are called Siôn a Siân in Welsh. In English, they are known as Adam and Eve. These rocks are about three meters (10 feet) tall. They stand about 1.2 meters (4 feet) apart. You can see them from the Ogwen valley below.
Some climbers try to jump between these two rocks. People say that if you make the jump, you gain the "Freedom of Tryfan." But be careful! One side of the jump has a very steep drop. A mountain writer named Frank Showell Styles once said it's not too hard in good weather. But he warned that failing the jump would have "unpleasant" results.
Cain and Abel Boulders
As you climb the South Ridge, you will see two other large rocks. They look like pillars on the skyline. From a distance, people sometimes mistake them for Adam and Eve. So, they are called Cain and Abel. This keeps the biblical theme going!
Milestone Buttress for Climbers
At the bottom of Tryfan is a popular spot for rock climbing called Milestone Buttress. It is only about a 10-minute walk from the road. The most popular climbing route here is called the direct route. Many people often wait in line to climb it.
This route is 75 meters (246 feet) long. It is graded as Very Difficult. Two climbers, G. Barlow and H. Priestly-Smith, first climbed it in 1910.
There is also a popular Grade 3 scramble at Milestone Buttress. This route is often used as another way to reach the North Ridge. Another nearby climbing spot is Tryfan Bach. It is on the other side of the mountain.
