What's Going Wrong on Tryfan in Snowdonia?
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- If you're not sure of your abilities, I suggest finding a mountain leader based in Snowdonia. There are plenty and they can show you the terrain on Tryfan.
As you can see from my footage, Tryfan is a very rugged route and it's easy to get lost, especially in low cloud.
Visit Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue's incident report page, it's a real eye-opener: ogwen-rescue.o...
Here's the North Tower, the hardest part of the North Ridge route: • Tryfan's North Ridge: ...
The easiest route is widely considered to be the South Ridge, but it's still a scramble and dangers are present: • The Easiest Route Up T...
Thinking of taking the Heather Terrace route? It joins the South Ridge route so you'll still need to do the steepest part of the South Ridge.
Discover more hiking and scrambling routes: thebaldscrambl...
Disclaimer: This video is not formal advice, all routes on Tryfan require the use of hands to pull over rocks and obstacles. If you attempt any of the routes without a guide, you do so at your own risk.
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There’s alot of comments here saying Instagram is to blame and people who need rescuing should be charged etc. As a mountain rescue team member for one of the Wales teams that is totally wrong! and here’s why….
I happen to agree that Instagram and social media does have a lot to answer for and people today aren’t interested in the environment or it’s history, but just want to recreate a picture they’ve seen online and go somewhere so they have it as a badge of honour. On one hand it’s shallow and depressing.
HOWEVER, people have been climbing mountains for ego since forever! When mountaineering really became a sport in the Victorian era it was so people could say they ‘conquered’ peaks. It was at that time the preserve of the middle and upper class. Nowadays it’s done by all people which is a good thing, and there’s nothing NEW about people setting out up a peak to climb it for their ego. Social media induced or otherwise.
And as for rescues - the whole purpose of mountain rescue is to support people in the mountains if and when mistakes get made. That’s fine, it’s part of everybody’s learning journey and the most importing thing any rescuer will tell somebody who has been rescued is don’t let it put you off the hills! I’ve not encountered a single other MR team member who resents those we rescue in any way. I find it bizarre when people who have no knowledge of MR shout about how people should be charged for the service. They absolutely should not be! The mountains are not the preserve of those with the best kit, or the most knowledge. They are one of the very few places left where you can enjoy physical freedom, and the freedom to make your own choices. When people get into difficulty that is part of the learning journey and they shouldn’t be sneered at, or used as an indication that something is ‘wrong’. The mountains are there to be enjoyed by all!
Excellent comment!!
👏 well said
Totally agree, From someone who knows. It is not up to those who do this tegularly to "police"who can and cannot use these routes for exploring! THAT is what its all about!
Thanks for saying this dude. Fortunately i haven't had to use your services, and i would guess i would feel guilty if i had to. But this will remain in my mind if the worst does happen.
A million times thank you for what you do, for giving us all a chance when things get tough!
You can always set off at 6am if you want the place pretty quiet. 'The hordes' don't do that. And the magnets of Snowdon and Tryfan tend to leave the surrounding hills relatively empty. It's likely that 'serious mountain walkers' have been up the popular central peaks several, if not many times, anyway.
I cut my scrambling teeth in the 90s on Tryfan more than any other mountain , love this hill, I did jump Adam & Eve once and chickened out once due to high winds and super polished top. I have lived in the Highlands of Scotland for over 2 decades and recently took my wife to visit Ogwen and show her Llyn Idwal etc from the easy paths. It brought back many many happy memories.
Nought wrong with knowing your limitations or living to fight another day.
It's not "chickening out" ... many peeps have died in Snowdonia because they didn't 'chicken out' ... or were just ill-prepared.
I no longer climb as I have herniated discs and refuse to risk having to call out volunteers and choppers. No way.
I myself am a very experienced UK hiker. That said however I still managed to get myself into a spot of bother whilst climbing the Northern ridge of Tryfan. My brother and I accidently ended up on the East side after starting on the North face. It's easily done, trust me. You instinctively take the easiest looking route, until you realise that the easiest route actually leads you to a very dangerous area and to a point of no return. You simply can't climb back down some of the scrambles you climb up.
And after we made it 4/5ths of the way up, there we were staring up at the infamous Y-gully. At this point it was either call mountain recuse or trust in our own skills and expirience that we have built up over 25 years and do it. We did it but I will add the weather conditions were perfect, the sun was out and all the rocks were bone dry. That being said I will never again do the North ridge of Tryfan. I made a video of it on my channel if anyone wants to take a look. It was about 2 years ago.
I have done the north route a few times ,only ever in dry sunny weather ,lethal in cloud and wet ,not to be underestimated
First time you go up the North face of Tryfan, make sure it’s with an experienced scrambler who has done the route before. Pick a dry day with good visibility and make sure you are well equipped. A descent down the same face is not for the faint of heart or person unfamilar with the up route… forward visibility is quite restricted and you can easily descend into a difficult and even dangerous position. Such a beautiful mountain, one of my favourites. Thanks for the video.
My favourite UK mountain so far. First climbed it rope solo in 2023 via a North Butress/Grooved Arete link up. Such a great day but I agree that, as much as I see terrain like that as a playground (after 30yrs of climbing), it is not a mountain to be taken lightly. It's so easy to find yourself lost or in an uncomfortable situation. You can plan your route all you like from the bottom but you view and range of vision very quickly changes when you're on the face. Have fun but be safe 😁
Definitely my favourite mountain to climb. You're right, the ease of access and relatively short route makes it tempting for many. Great, informative video as always. Not to take away from the serious message that you are trying to get across however I have to applaud the cinematography as it looked amazing on my 65" 4K OLED.
Love Tryfan, don’t love the influencers and selfie obsessed instagramers on there. Last time I went up the north ridge I ended up directing groups the right way and witnessing adolescents in trainers and joggers attempting to get photos on cantilever rocks , it’s was winter with ice and snow!
It's the North Ridge not North Face
Tryfan doesn't have North Face, it's North Ridge he's got
Thanks to you both for pointing out my typo, yes I’m aware it doesn’t have a north face and is a north ridge.
Keep helping out where you can, but don't become an angry old man.
i first scrambled tryfan via north face 3 years ago with perfect weather. one of the best hikes/climb ever
Ridge my man , its either the east or the west face
I cut my teeth as a climber/mountaineer in Snowdonia back in the 80's and Tryfan was always a favourite. Hard, yes. Scary, yes. Your advice to use a mountain guide is excellent. I used a guide a couple of times in the alps and it was an excellent training/learning experience. Thoroughly recommended. Great video with its mix of inspiration, advice and warning. Tryfan is not for beginners but it sure is one of the most awesome and beautiful places on earth when done right.
Did it recently, loved it. I think the tips for a newbie like me doing Tryfan, do it on a nice dry day only, only go up the north ridge and come down the south ridge, use your common sense! Although not as exposed as crib goch it was a more technical challenge in my opinion!
I understand why people are seeking the outdoors in larger numbers, but it does appear as though far too many are under prepared. Or they get Crag fast and due to lack of knowledge, supplies, equipment etc - they end up in a whole world of trouble.
I was on Crib Goch north ridge probably 6 years ago and came across a young couple and they were both clearly having a “wobble”. By their own admission they didn’t realise how narrow it gets toward the main ridge and so I was happy for them to remain with me until the proper ridge was completed, which took a lot of time, and a lot of encouragement. I couldn’t help wondering what possessed them to be there as their first hands on sort of experience!
A handful of times I’ve boycotted a scramble due to change in weather, or when something “doesn’t feel right”. But I’m always 100% happy I’ve not climbed beyond the point of no return, as I won’t let it happen.
The summit of a scramble is optional but getting away safely is mandatory.
It may depend on who's accounts of the route they have heard. In one of my books, Aonach Eagach is described as "In summer, it's no more than an exhilarating walk". On the Walkhighlands website, it states "The route is a grade 2/3 scramble, and is included in some climbing guides as a 'Moderate' rock climb; it involves probably the trickiest scrambling on any Walkhighlands route. Ensure you have the necessary skills and experience, choose a dry day (the rocks are slippery when wet) and leave plenty of time to complete the route in daylight. If in any doubt, it is best to hire a guide". Two very different perceptions, I wouldn't necessarily blame anyone who tried it and got stuck after hearing the first description.
I had never heard of this mountain. Many thanks for publicising it. It's on my 'to-do' list now.
It's a very serious mountain - where a small navigation error or a change in weather can lead to benighting and catastrophe. The mountain warfare specialists in the British Armed Forces are often seen training on Tryfan - so expect it to be challenging enough to challenge them, and test your skills BEFORE you go on the mountain, not when it's too late.
fantastic footage. Tryfan looks stunning!
great video, thank you for sharing such balanced and useful advice, without any sneering at 'beginnners' or belittling. this is what we need more of. 🙏
a marvellous mountain - no other like it in the country. a well seen video with good sound advice. having had to help people off this fellow a few time, forewarning is always welcome.
Thank you for the video, as do more and more hiking, I realise there are a lot of hidden hazards. This is what I do now before choose a hiking route. Study the map and the terrain of the area, read views, watch available videos. Get to know the area well before start. Then choose the route I feel confident with. Hiking is for exercise,fun, not for torturing and showing off.😊
So ive done the North Ridge about 15 times plus a few rock climbing routes on the East Face. Several times in the last few years ive had to assist people on the North Ridge. Having been getting out in Snowdonia for over 30 years this problem is definitely getting worse. Everytime i go out no matter what peak im on i get people asking for assistance. Too many are ill equipped, poorly prepared and don't have the skills or experience to be out in the mountains. Tryfan isn't dangerous if u know what ur doing. Unfortunately i can onl see this situation getting worse
Hey - they get to have the shot for social media though . Surely that’s the important thing to be remembering
"Tryfan isn't dangerous if u(sic) know what ur(sic) doing" - how wrong can you be?!
@@Codzilla71what
@@colin.gibson8121 mountains are dangerous no matter how qualified you are! I cannot believe I've had to explain that!
@@Codzilla71 Crib Goch is more challenging than Tryfan. I am a very experienced hill walker (climbed all the Munros), and been up Tryfan 4 times. Have to confess, I was taken aback somewhat by this video. It is good to be safe, but I did not find it particularly challenging or difficult, and I am candidly not boasting. I suspect many incidents are due to pure carelessness.
*Ignore the knockers, Daniel. I always look forward to your instructive and entertaining videos and appreciate the effort that you put into making them. I'm not alone in holding that opinion, I'm sure* 👍
Thanks, I'll have some more content up soon, I've got some great routes I want to film and share.
Apps like AllTrails seem to have allowed a blind "follow the line" type mentality in the mountains. People don't develop the skills and knowledge to keep themselves safe any longer. Then they sometimes come to grief when things don't go to plan.
Additionally, you've got to wonder about motivation these days. People pushing on because it'll look cool when they post about it later.
I know what you mean. Despite having a RUclips channel, I rarely post mountaineering stuff to my socials, my last post was about a year ago. I don't really care what my friends or work colleagues think but some are obsessed with giving the impression they are achievers.
I was on the other side. I used all trail suggested route (i am a careful hiker) which was designated easy. Did crosscheck it with google maps and other map apps I am using. Still there was a very small strech that still gives me chills whenever I think about it.
I climbed it last weekend in the pouring rain and found quite a lot of people in over their heads. It's a totally different beast when the weather changes. Me and my partner were originally going to climb the East face but because of the rain, we decided to stick to the easier North face, even being experienced rock climbers we decided to rope up in some sections.
We all get to know each other likes and dislikes. More than we had before..Have not enough with our own life without thinking we haven’t get to be happy to agree or disagree with other we have no knowledge of what their life was like . ? Get out of this un needed involved situation. Every man is an island . That’s it, even if he’s your friend. It’s the only way we can be United as one Humanity 😊
Thank you for this, it deserves to be seen by a much wider audience, especially by people who have little idea about the dangers of the mountain. The drone footage (which is excellent) really helps give a sense of perspective. I went part way up some years ago (just beyond the wall really), but I didn't venture further as it was a bit late in the day and I didn't have much experience. I know my limits these days, and would only attempt it with a professional guide. I wonder if Tryfan's increasing popularity is partly a 'post covid' thing as well, as has happened in many other locations?
Brilliant Dan, like you we’ve trained and come prepared for such a challenge!! I’ve been asked by friends about Tryfan and I always say “it’s dangerous, prepare for everything, learn how to navigate without gadgets 🤯 and even consider a guide for 1st ascents!! I’am in the process of training up my daughters for this challenge and fell they need another 2-3 years before we challenge the South route!! Stay safe Tom
Thank you.
Thank you for doing this very informative video. Hopefully it will save lives and stop injuries.
Tryfan was my favourite mountain to scramble up when I lived in that area, thirty years ago. I've been up it in all weathers, and been stuck near the top in a storm, hunkering down in a survival bag, as well as in glorious sunshine, with the most amazing views.... but it is dangerous for the unwary and inexperienced, when the weather can switch so quickly and you can easily lose your bearings when the clouds come down. I nearly went off a cliff in the Carneddau once, rushing down in a mist before it got dark. Even back then, we used to see people trying to climb up Tryfan (and Crib Goch) in flip flops, with no equipment or emergency weather gear. I dread to think what it's like these days, as more people head there.
Many years ago I stood on top of Tryfan for the vast majority of a day. I was helping out marshalling one of the MRT’s Oggie 8 challenges. There were at least two groups that were being led by men who were over-confident in their sense of direction who nearly led their groups down the west face when they were intending to head south to the easier descent. Take a compass and look at it, even if you know exactly where you are.
Still, easily my favourite mountain.
Very good video. Clear, informative, some teriffic footage of the mountain, and I think you have the pitch of the warning/inspiration just right.
Anyone considering tackling the North Ridge for the first time would do well to spend 6 minutes watching this.
Insightful, knowledgeable comments on here and few surmises...my own surmise is equipment. Anyone else noticed the fashion over the years for designer tread, with questionable adherence ( from brands I best not actually say), whereby look of seems more important than functionality. A lot of footwear has laughable grip, even on a mildly damp flat high street, dangerous on actual avg. terrain surfaces. Hell knows what it's like scrambling a ridge. I honestly feel over confidence and poor equipment has contributed to many accidents. You'd think the leading outdoor shoe/boot manufacturers would want their customers safe and coming back for more! Am I only one noticing this? It's definitely made me more careful in my footwear purchases.
Get where you're coming from mate, but I haven't notice your remark about footware. Makes total sense though. You see so many people in the mountains with inappropriate footware, and clothing too. Been climbing mountains all over the UK for 35 years now, and I'll research for hours on end before I buy new kit, especially boots. I'm not afraid to walk around an outdoor shop for 45 minutes trying on new boots. Pisses the shop staff off a bit, but you have to get it right because these things are gonna be your saviour for years to come. Forget copying the hoards on social media with their pink or lime green trainers or boots and do your own research.
Having scrambled up Tryfan myself (as part of a mountain-craft course) I concur with your assessment. Not for the inexperienced, or the casual rambler. It's a reasonably serious mountain!
It's such a dangerous mountain yet inexperienced people seem to think it's OK because it's close to the road. I've lost count of the times I've driven along the A5 and seen people in totally unsuitable clothing (even flip flops once!!!) wandering around amongst the rocks on the lower slopes. I'll never forget going past one evening in late winter and there were people going up the gully that's filled with loose stones (don't know the name, sorry) with camping gear on their backs. In the twilight 🙄🙄 And remember the girl who got lost in a snowstorm who phoned her parents in Cardiff (!!!) instead of the emergency services? They just seem to have no idea of how to prepare and take care.
Hiked up Tryfan in the 90's , me and my brother in law , we went the easy way !
And that was scary !
Yeah ! I think we went the South Route
Informative and well presented. Excellent !
I'm glad to see someone giving the truth of what tryfan is. It's a mountain not to be taken lightly! I want to do it, but waiting for someone who knows it who wants to go up again.
Obv I do think social media is partially to blame, I'm often seeing videos saying "don't go up snowdon/Yr wyddfa go here" but let's not forget there was a walking book which advised it was an easy route and a man following this also died.
I am 54 and do not hike or mountaineer in any way shape or form. My son has previously climbed Snowdonia twice and asked me to join him for his third visit. I did ….however having never ever been up any mountain previously I found it a massive struggle. I only got to the top with his help and yes I had cramp coming down as the coming down was absolutely dreadful. He had summited it via a different route to the one we took together, that one being shorter. I had the image that because so many people climb Snowdon every day of the year it wouldn’t be that hard, more of a day out really than it being difficult and dangerous. doubt I will ever try anything like that again for risk of needing to call mountain rescue because I would feel really guilty if I did. My point being is that it is more common now for anyone to do this sort of thing but without really realising the dangers/risks involved and. I am not surprised folks get into trouble pretty quick because we don’t have the knowledge or expertise to stay out of trouble attempting stuff like this.
I climbed it many years ago. I would consider myself a tough lad, a fit and a experienced walker. I'll walk in all weather. At the base it was raining. No problem. We should of really checked the weather. On the top gale force winds which were alot of fun between showers. It was that windy it was lifting us off our feet. Got to the summit. Headed down. Winds just as bad and the rain turned to snow and hail. Got lost. Had to head up again to come back down. Even with decent gear on we were soaked and frozen. My two friends were mentally broken and freezing. My mind was starting to drift and I had to dig deep to get out of this bad situation. I was getting angry to psych myself up.with some panick. I think we had the onset of hypothermia. After struggling we could see the road which was along way off. We managed to get down safely but I can honestly say it was the hardest and stupidest thing I've done. From the experience and stupidity of that day I can tackle anything now. It has made me a better person. Safe walking scrambling and climbing people👍
I remember on a school trip (many moons ago - in the late 80's) we went up Tryfan. There was a girl who was struggling and I thought it was obvious that she should head down, but the leader of the two teachers supervising the group (which was woefully inadequate for the number of people - there were about 20 pupils) had other ideas, insisted on pushing on. Eventually he delegated me and another pupil to stay with this girl and keep pushing upwards. Even then I was astounded, we were 14 years old, it was misty and 3 kids were left to navigate up the mountain. I was lucky that I was reasonably competent (my family were an 'outdoorsy' type and we'd climbed Tryfan a couple of times before) and we made it up, but I was furious afterwards and told the teacher that I thought that he'd made several questionable decisions - continuing when visibility had dropped to below 30 metres, leaving a member of the party behind and under the supervision of two other children, having inadequate adult supervision for a group of that size (the second teacher had little or no experience).
My late Dad did this first about 60 years ago! It's definitely on the bucket list🏔🤙hopefully with someone with the experience 👌👍
The South Ridge is the safest way up Tryfan
To those that don’t know that is the opposite side to the North Ridge which is on the road side.
Make sure you have adequate navigation. Go prepared & go on a day with good weather conditions & visibility.
such a beautiful mountain, been up it twice but never made it to the top because of the weather
Last time I did Tryfan I came across a group with a young lady in obvious distress - crying, shaking and refusing to get off the floor - the groups leader was trying to persuade her to continue, yet this was after the first easy climb on the South side. I suggested that they abandon the climb after they asked me if the climb got 'any easier' further up. I left them to descend and went on my way. I reached the top, them stopped for lunch and made my way back down. They were still there pontificating after a couple of hours.
That's bad, I don't think anyone should be pressured to do something they're not comfortable with.
Went there with an informal group, about 25 yrs ago. Due to a breakdown in communication, I was told this was not a rock climbing trip (I was an experienced hill walker but don't rock climb) but we came to the bottom of a steep rockface and all the gear, ropes etc. came out. I gave it a go but nearly dislocated my shoulder reaching for a hold (it audibly snapped back when I let go and was sore for weeks!). I then left the others and scrambled up by an easier route, which turned out fine, though I was sitting in the car in the freezing cold for 3 hours (no mobiles) while they finished!
I’ve done Tryfan once, with a friend who had sumitted it on a number of occasions previously. I wouldn’t attempt it alone or with a group less experienced than me due to how gnarly it is. We went up the north ridge and descended the south. I was terrified, but learnt a lot about myself on that climb…
I remember my first time, it felt great reaching the summit.
I think the most important thing to remember when doing anything is to respect and never underestimate the environment your doing it in. This applies to anything, ranging from mountains to the ocean. I'm not saying to be scared of it, because that's just as bad as being complacent and overconfident. I'm just saying to remember to stay aware of the place your in and the risks, and stay aware of your own body's capabilities.
Dynamic risk assessment is probably the most important skill. Assess the place around you, the state it's in, how its likely to change, and how you feel both mentally and physically. And base your decisions off that. Don't let yourself get pressured. You are allowed to take a step out of your comfort zone, but this must be on your own terms.
And yeah, look after the place you visit and look after yourself. If you don't feel safe to continue, turn back. Of you don't feel safe trying to turn back, call for help. There's no shame in it. The situation can change very quickly in very little time. The weather can turn, a rock that was stable before may come unlodged. There's the risk from wildlife, even the most experienced may be caught off guard. You may see something distressing that you weren't prepared for.
This isn't to discourage people, it's to remind people that nobody can be prepared for every eventuality and everyone can be caught off guard. But don't live in fear, just stay aware that plans may have to change and it's not wrong to need to turn back or get help getting out of a situation
Been up the North Ridge about half a dozen times but hadn't done so for about 20 years.
All previous ascents had been solo ... and there was an aborted attempt when the weather closed in and I was about a third of the way up... I slowly turned tail and descended slowly over wet , boot shined rocks. Upon reaching the age of 55 and the end of the 20 year gap I hired a local climber to show me the way. Cost me about £150 but It helped restore my confidence and we had a great day. I managed to clamber on top of Adam & Eve but didn't risk the jump ... at my age ... with my knees ! Just got the poseur photograph.
I learnt my lesson after being helicopted off the Dolomites in 2008 ... having become 'rockfast' ... and my bum going 50p- threepenny bit - 50p - threepenny bit - 50p - threepenny bit... you know that feeling ?!
One of scariest things I’ve done! North ridge then descend to the base of the north tower on the west face , down to the base of notch arête back up to the top of the north tower.weather was bad as we continued to ascend the weather worsened. When we eventually ended up at pinnacle gap stuck I didn’t know which way to go I didn’t check weather you climb the pinnacle or go around we chose to bail out down the scree field down the north east face of Bristly . didn’t want to call rescue felt like I could handle the situation which I did just don’t panick plan your route. Rip to the people who died that young lad sad man rip x
Great video - full of good information. thank you!
Well done. Thank you.
Wen I was in year 7 we went to ogwen cottege and we cki bed tryfan... And dorm I stayed in the next 3 times was tryfan so it's always been my special peak that set off my love of being outdoors. Never had the chance to go back but tryfan and ogwen valley will always be special
I don't know why RUclips put this as a recommended video on my home page as I have no interest in mountain climbing or hill walking. I doubt if Tryfan is accessible by my mobility scooter.
Nevertheless, I watched it and the advice would appear to be very well founded. I was shocked at how many times the mountain rescue teams had been called out. It seems that too many people do not make adequate preparation for their adventures, relying on volunteers to rescue them.
Such a beautiful mountain but it straight up scares the shit out of me. I'll stick to the munros of Scotland.
Great video.
I’ve done most of the scrambling route on Tryfan and consider myself a pretty competent scrambler. But I nearly got into trouble trying to descend the west face due to the conditions turning.
After descending two impassable gullies I had to head back up to find the north ridge so I could descend safely.
But if I hadn’t have known the terrain well I could have easily been another callout for mountain rescue.
I ve done it with my friend who climbed it 20+ times. It was helpfull to have guide as some scrambles are lvl 2.
You forgot that some of the rocks are well polished by the amount of people climbing the mountain that even pro climbing shoes rubber will slip on it. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!
I used to work in the local hospital, Tryfan had a reputation of being the most dangerous mountain in the area.
It is also right by the A5, with carparks very near. I've only been up a 100ft or so to take a picture of the lake, that was high enough.
As someone who has an aunt who has been in in the MRT for over 42 years; thank you for making this video! 👍🏼
big thank you to your aunt
@@tuckedup I'll be sure to pass on your kind words! 😊
You can catch her, as well as many of the other Cumbrian MRT teams in action, on Channel 4 catch up TV (UK); Lake District Rescue. Definitely worth a watch. 👍🏼😊
Tryfan is a special one. Did it with school, in '89 in the snow. Still rememeber it well. Get a qualified and experienced leader folks.
My first mountain, I was terrified! I love the mountain now, but as you say there is some tough scrambling, and in poor visibility it’s easy to get lost. 👍
Oh yes! It's a special place for sure. I've got a few more routes I'd like to film on Tryfan and the I'll move onto new pastures. I'm hoping to do a few routes in the Lakes this summer. Still want to film Moel Siabod as well.
@@thebaldscrambler Noel Siabod is special, I’ll look forward to watching that. Mind the bog though if it’s been raining! 😂👍
Excellent scramble, took my kids up years ago, the reason more problems is simply more people!
I have been hill walking since the mid 70s, I have done the Glders a few times . I never ever thought of doing Tryfan , always access the risk if too high do not do it.
If you have that level of experience and fitness, especially if you got into the Glyders via devils kitchen I’d say you can probably manage Tryfan. If you’re comfortable scrambling up the north ridge and down the south should be fine. Otherwise going up and down the south ridge is also fun. If you get a chance I’d say it’s worth trying on a nice day even if it means getting a guide.
North ridge - a nice scramble. I was the only one on Tryfan when I first did it on a weekend in 1981,
The year I was born :-). I was the only person on Tryfan once, it was pouring down though and I was the only one balmy enough to go up there.
Been up there more times than I can remember in all weather! The one I remember the most was after a snow covered crib goth trip and that night in the pub my mates were let’s do Try-fan tomorrow. I knew it would be tough in winter but covered in ice was one of my scariest climbs of my life!
Respect mother nature or get bitten or killed we were so bloody lucky that day but young dumb and full of….👍 stay safe people and the mountains will always be there another day. You may not be so always be prepared to turn back and go to a nice warm pub rather than a cold grave 👍🫣
I’m off to the Isle of Man and having never ridden anything bigger than a moped, plan to attempt a 100 mph lap of the mountain course. What could go wrong, I’ve seen it on RUclips, looks easy enough.
Ah them old petrified trees are lovely!
Social media and an increase in outdoor activities, tryfan has alot of climbing routes that intercept closely, and people are fooled by intermittent "paths" that are climbing descents and traverses. Tryfan is a fun filled mountain, but navigation is the main factor if you are not familiar with routes and not equipped to self rescue. Also who doesn't love a roadside approach, easily accessible
Lots of folks have descended from the North Tower and ended up above the milestone buttress area where's it steep. I think they see the road and make a beeline for it, hoping the terrain will get easier.
North ridge route is more like hike apart from North tower and North summit and both can be bypassed.I think Bristly ridge is the one that really people need to pay attention if they go there.
Yes, more sustained scrambling on Bristly for sure.
One big factor in people losing their direction (and allowing fear to take over) is their inability to orientate themselves or to read a map mostly because they just don’t know their north from east from south from west. It’s the most basic skill you need but way too many don’t have it!
Went up there with a small group and came across two young lads who were lost and out of their depth... got so far up and thought they'd go back,
We baby sat them and got them safety up and back down, afterwards they said we were thinking of calling MR
Social media never shows the bad times
I preferred the Scottish Highlands, but Tryfan was a good solo scramble, however it was too challenging for some of my colleagues when I went there with groups.
Check Waymarking in Europe. It's free document comparing all European countries(not EU). UK is known for health and safety regs, but in marking paths for tourism is way behind. Some will say it's more pure, map and brains. How many of you using maps while driving?
Thanks for this Education and Information
It’s invaluable to those coming to Tryfan
I don’t remember the north ridge being that bad, i remember the first 20 mins out of the car. So steep, I was coughing a lung and thinking I was too old for this. Still managed glider fach & fawr . The weather was kind
The last time I scrambled the North ridge was with a young relative, for their safety we both wore climbing helmets and although it wasn't needed we wore harnesses and has a short 30m rope ready. The helmets were needed ,at first I thought the stones coming down on us were being dislodged by a careless group above. As we got closer I realised they were deliberately throwing rocks down the ridge to see how far they could go. They were very unhappy with my language when I told them what I would do to them if they didn't stop ! We were deliberately taking a challenging route and near the top I was berated by a family because I had led them on a dangerous path when there was an easier one I could have used, another lesson, dont follow the person in front, your route is your choice. An old manta but true, don't climb up what you can't climb back down.
When I climbed Tryfan a bloke broke his leg not far from the cannon. One of my best memories was being sat above him and getting soaked by the rain coming off of the Seaking as it came in to winch him out.
Could do with a marked trail up the north to show the easiest route. Red lines /dots on rocks. Very common in the dolomites and Julian alps. Not an eyesore for me either .
Climbed the easy route on a school trip when I was 15. It was terrifying.
Well im off up Tryfan next year now. Only say next year because i broke my ankle this year so i need to be careful, either way thos os definitely getting done. It looks like an epic challenge. Oh and before we all start, I'm not a beginner and I won't be doing it alone either.
Thanks so much for this video, I've not yet done Tryfan and would only do it with someone experienced, especially given how often I get lost on my walks 😂
Go around the 'back' the south side, still rewarding, from ogwen cottage. And pick a fine day, and youll love it.
Thank you. Getting lost is all part of the fun 😀
Worth noting the no phone signal on North Ridge
Many years ago, before social media, I nearly killed myself by naively using an inviting gully for a quick descent. I’m sure I wouldn’t have if I’d seen your videos first 👍
Do you know what gully it was
You didn't mention the jump between Adam and Eve at the top. Two almost flat rocks that can give you the willies if you slip and get it wrong. Jumping between them is a test of nerves for many. 😂
I think a guy fell while jumping between them last year. I climbed up on one but it was wet so I didn't jump it. It's still on the to-do list.
@@thebaldscrambler One side if you fall it’s just a busted ankle and the other a long fall with a crushed body smashed head and a busted ankle lol 😂 I jumped it when up there but I agree on a wet day it would be iffy.
No thanks. I've lost count of the times I've been up Tryfan (used to live locally), but I never plucked up the courage for that jump. Watching a friend do it was stressful enough for me!
Porcupine ridge is good one mate 👊🏻
I did the west route yesterday, wasn't that difficult but I made sure weather was good.
Good article
I done Snowdon back (Llanberis path - cycling) in 91, climbing a mountain is well out of the question
It's the only way you can say you've "Done Adam and Eve " ... 😂❤❤❤
Tryfan is a cool mountain but people don't give it any respect. This is where the team that first climbed everest trained in the 50s. It's monster mountain that's far too convenient with it's easy access to idiots of all shapes and sizes.
At least there is a natural solution to this and body bags are cheap, but for those who are counting, it's only going to get worse.
I slipped when descending this mountain luckily I was fine, pretty dame scary though.
What I remember from my dawn ascent 20 years ago was an endless succession of false summits and my knee was never quite right again after the flatter descent. .........and the goats!
Hiking around Slovenia, Switzerland, italy and France, I noticed most routes had idiot proof navigation- spray paint on the rocks that indicated the direction, not only showing the way but also directing to the smoothest path up some scrambles which otherwise if taken slightly off course would have been an outright rock climb. Is there any reason uk mountains dont have a similar system? A lot of the calls could be reduced if hikers were not getting lost, or didnt end up having to do more than they bargained for by taking a slightly off course route.
Dumbing down for people who shouldn't be there in the 1st place..oh and defacing the rock :-(
We have those - they’re called maps. These days with apps like the OS one you can navigate more easily than ever. People just can’t be bothered to take a little bit of time to learn what the different features of maps are and often don’t ensure they have sufficient charge or a power bank if they are relying on their phones for navigation. Some people can’t be bothered to put the effort into preparing for a trip to the mountains
Very good point! UK hills often have cairns (little piles of stones) as waymarkers but little red/white rectangles like they do in the alps on places like Tryfan would be helpful.
We have a mountain round here known as "The eggs" it's very popular with local scramblers.
I know exactly where you mean mate, the game keeper there has put up a sign saying "No Poaching". I feel hungry now.
Groups of people turning up in flip flops
The rise of social media has a part to play. Once hidden gems are now open to everyone, experienced and otherwise. The sad part is that this knowledge is available to help everyone but still people fall foul and aren't properly prepared or equipped
when I went to Snowdonia with the school in the 1950'swe were told in no uncertain terms not to try Tryfan as it was too dangerous for us novices. We were going up Glyder Fawr ?
I defo think a lot of it nowadays is down too RUclips videos and inexperience.. people think it’s a chilled walk in wales.. I’ve done the north ridge 6 times I think now and still need to concentrate massively when your on it.. there was a group of people in June ahead of me and the guy had a pair of crocs on.. I was shocked to say the least..
Respect the weather, too. It can be 20° at sea level, but almost freezing on a summit, with the addition of wind chill and rain. Not to be climbed by beginners, and it always best to hire an experienced guide.
I have done Tryfan twice and if you plan well it is not a problem with just a lot of easy scrambling.
if you don't prepare and pick the wrong route you could get into trouble on the ascent and on Bristly Ridge.
i remember being young and naive when i started hillwalking many years ago but i always took it seriously and always prepared and took a map and compass.
I think a lot of people now do things beyond their capabilities because they want to post an exciting video and they get too gung ho.
Hillwalking should ALWAYS be taken seriously and people have even got lost and hurt on easy hills like Kinder Scout because they were poorly prepared
Do you think it could be the Quackcine??
To many people over estimating their ability and under estimating the mountain. I've seen it many times. Please do your research before you go mountain walking/scrambling and make sure you take the appropriate equipment.
Well said.
why do we not hear or read about Heather Terrace as a safeish walking route up and coming down North ridge walking path which avoids the need to scramble up or down the North Ridge Scramble route?
Too right. Never going near the bottom of anything like that. I happen to be sane.