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.
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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.
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