Tryfan North Top

About Tryfan North Top

Often overshadowed by its world-famous namesake in the Ogwen Valley, this rugged, rocky outlier provides a much quieter perspective on the western Eryri landscape. Rising above the village of Rhosgadfan, its craggy summit offers an exceptional, uninterrupted vantage point over the Menai Strait towards Anglesey and the northern Nantlle Ridge.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name Tryfan is derived from the Welsh 'Try' (very or intense) and 'fan' (peak or point), referring to its sharp, prominent shape. Even at this lower altitude, the hill maintains the craggy, three-pointed profile suggested by its name when viewed from the west.
• •From the summit, the industrial history of the region is laid bare. You can look directly down into the vast, water-filled chasms of the Nantlle Valley slate quarries, which once formed the backbone of the local economy during the 19th century.
• •The hill serves as a vital 'gatekeeper' peak for the northern end of the Moel Hebog range. Hikers often use its rocky top as the first significant milestone when trekking south towards the more remote summits of Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof.
• •It is the ideal destination for the hillwalker who wants to tell people they 'climbed Tryfan' without the risk of accidentally finding themselves on a Grade 1 scramble or requiring the services of a mountain rescue team.