Tryfan

Tryfan is one of the most recognisable summits in Snowdonia. It is a beautiful mountain having a classic pointed shape, with rugged crags, and is the lowest of the Welsh 3,000-foot mountains – the Fourteen peaks.

Tryfan is most often climbed from the north, as it lies close to the A5 road. A common starting point is about 1.5 km east of Idwal Cottage (a youth hostel). From here a route leads up the rocky north ridge of the mountain; a good route for those who enjoy scrambling. Alternatively the scrambling can be avoided by means of a lower path on the eastern side of the north ridge known as the Heather Terrace.

Tryfan may also be climbed from the south, where it is linked via Bristly Ridge to Glyder Fach. Bristly Ridge also offers good scrambling. Bwlch Tryfan, the saddle between Tryfan and the base of Bristly Ridge, may also be reached by a path leading up from Idwal Cottage to the west, passing through Cwm Bochlwyd. This cwm contains the Llyn Bochlwyd – known as the Australia lake due to its shape resembling that of the country.

The summit of Tryfan is noted for the rocks of Adam and Eve – a pair of rocks separated by about 1 metre. It is common practice for those climbing Tryfan to step between the two rocks; in doing so one is said to gain the "Freedom of Tryfan". The exposure on one side is quite great and those without a head for heights are advised not to attempt the step.