Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a severe 2.7 km out-and-back from the A5 to Tryfan's 918 m summit via the North Ridge, gaining 621 m. Follow the path left of Milestone Buttress, climb through the boulder field and gain the broad rocky ridge. Sustained Grade 1 scrambling and complex route choice continue past the Cannon and up the North Tower to Adam and Eve. The GPX then reverses the entire North Ridge rather than using the more usual South Ridge descent, so confident, careful downclimbing is essential. Wrong gullies can lead to harder, escapeless ground; wet rock, strong wind, cloud or winter conditions transform the difficulty.
Every scrambling move climbed on the way up must be reversed. The safest line is not fixed: small variations appear around the Cannon and North Tower, but paths that drift into gullies can quickly become climbing terrain. If a move feels substantially harder than Grade 1, stop and reassess rather than pressing on. Tryfan's rock is extremely slippery when wet or icy, and a short distance does not make this a quick outing. Keep the whole group within speaking distance on complex sections.
The most famous route up Tryfan is the North Ridge.
British Mountaineering Council
Route Waypoints
Start from the A5 lay-by beneath Milestone Buttress, grid reference SH 663 602. Cross only at a safe point, follow the path uphill and keep left of Milestone Buttress towards the boulder field.
The gradient increases through loose blocks. Turn right up the boulders towards a steep rock step, then use the quartz slabs to gain the broad North Ridge; check that you have not entered a harder gully.
Continue south over sustained hands-on rock, passing the distinctive Cannon Stone area. Many variations exist and some are harder than Grade 1, so retreat from moves that exceed the intended line or your ability.
Approach the prominent North Tower directly and choose the established Grade 1 line. Do not attempt to bypass it onto the eastern climbers' traverse or North Gully, where the ground becomes substantially more serious.
Reach the 918 m summit and the twin rocks Adam and Eve. Jumping between them is optional and hazardous, never part of the route. This GPX turns around here and does not descend the South Ridge.
Reverse the upper scrambling around North Tower. Stop and look for secure holds; lines that were obvious uphill can be hidden from above.
Pass the Cannon area and remain on the broad North Ridge. Avoid gullies dropping away on either side.
Reverse the North Ridge, downclimbing every major step to Milestone Buttress and the lay-by. Route choices look different from above: stop and scout safe moves, and never drop into an unknown gully.
Essential Tips
This GPX requires a full reverse of the North Ridge. If you are not comfortable descending sustained Grade 1 scrambling, choose and plan a different route before setting out rather than improvising from the summit.
Tryfan has many gullies and variations. Carry OL17, compass and offline GPX, but use judgement as well as the line. If a move feels too hard, backtrack; do not assume an inviting gully will rejoin safely.
Rain makes the polished rock treacherous, cloud hides route choices and strong gusts destabilise scramblers. In snow, ice or verglas this is winter mountaineering requiring equipment and proven skills.
One hour 35 minutes comes from distance and ascent, not scrambling speed. Allow several hours for route-finding, queues, secure movement, breaks and the difficult descent, and carry a headtorch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the GPX statistics for Tryfan North Ridge?
The supplied out-and-back GPX is 2.7 km with 621 m of ascent. Its calculated pace estimate is 1 hour 35 minutes, but realistic scrambling, route-finding and descent time will usually be much longer.
Is Tryfan North Ridge suitable for ordinary walkers?
No. It is a sustained Grade 1 scramble with complex route choice, polished rock and consequential mistakes. This version also reverses the ridge, requiring confident downclimbing from the summit.
Where does this Tryfan route start and how does it descend?
It starts at the A5 lay-by beneath Milestone Buttress, grid reference SH 663 602. It descends the same North Ridge GPX—not the South Ridge—so carry OL17, a compass and offline navigation.