Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Tryfan via Heather Terrace

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    6.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    707 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Tryfan via Heather Terrace

    One of three main routes up the legendary Trayfan, the Heather Terrace is a more sheltered option than the North Face, though by no means an easy one! From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, take a path along the base of Tryfan Bach and onto Tryfan proper, clambering up some rough scree to reach the Heather Terrace. The ledge wraps you all the way around to Tryfan’s southern peak, where you turn and make your final scramble push to the summit. Slowly descend back in a southern direction down to Bwlch Tryfan, and follow a nice wide path via Cwm Tryfan back out to your starting point along the A5.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Tryfan via Heather Terrace on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Tryfan via Heather Terrace

    Start along a path towards Capel Curig, crossing a stile on your right about 100m in. A much smaller path points in the direction of Tryfan Bach, Tryfan’s little brother. As you near its cliffs, the path bears right towards Tryfan proper. A clear gap in the rocky outcrops is your target. Some very tricky scree comprises the next portion, and there’s no way but through. After this, however, is the start of the actual Heather Terrace path, which provides some relief. This is a ledge that wraps around the eastern face of Tryfan. Follow this to the Far South Peak, at which point you’ll need to turn and clamber northwards towards the summit.

    There are sections of scrambling here - there’s no way to get up Tryfan without it! Keep the peak in view, and soon enough you’re at the summit. Jump across Adam and Eve if you dare, or simply rest and strike up a chat with some of the other climbers who are bound to be there. When it’s time to descend, head back the way you came towards the Far South Peak, then head down the path on your right to Bwlch Tryfan. The rest of your return is quite straightforward. The path loops around to the left and heads back northwards via Cwm Tryfan, with your last descent along the right side of Tryfan Bach. The path leads you to the Gwern Gof Uchaf campsite—turn left along the track to return to your starting point.

    Getting to the Tryfan via Heather Terrace Trailhead

    To access Tryfan via the Heather Terrace, start from Glan Dena, which is just past the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. There is some parking at the hut, but this is meant for guests staying there. A more likely choice is a lay-by along the A5 across from Llyn Ogwen.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      March-October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Tryfan via Heather Terrace Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Tryfan via Heather Terrace Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter