Area: Snowdonia National Park
Map: OS Explorer OL17
Miles: 6.5
Height Gain: 1000m
Difficulty: moderate – difficult
Y Garn and Glyder Fawr are probably high up on most people’s Snowdonia bucket list. On a clear day they offer views to rival any in the area, and you can count on their tracks and trails being far less crowded than Snowdon itself. This will certainly reward you with smiles for your miles. For a quick visual overview check out our video:
You’ll begin your adventure at YHA Idwal Cottage (grid reference SH649603). The car park here costs £4 for the day but you’ll need to make sure you arrive early to secure yourself a space. There are lay-bys located close by on the A5 if you miss out on a space, but just make sure you leave your car in a designated safe spot. The police have, on occasion, been forced to clamp down on dangerously parked cars along this road due to the sheer number of people who flock to the area at certain times of year.
To the left of the toilet block you’ll find the start of the trail. The initial path will take you through an iron gate and over a bridge passing a lovely waterfall. From here you’ll sweep slowly around to your right until you arrive at the shores of Llyn Idwal. This really is a beautiful setting for a lake, so take a few moments to enjoy your surroundings.
The summit of Y Garn peeping up over the top of the waterfall.
Heading along the right hand side of the lake shore, you’ll approach and cross the stepping stones. Here you’ll pass through a gate and start to begin your ascent of Y Garn. The slope is fairly gentle at first but quickly becomes much steeper. Take care with foot placement and don’t forget to lift your head up from time to time to enjoy the views around you. As we set off before sunrise we were able to watch the sunrise over the valley from the ridge, which was pretty special.
The ridge up to Y Garn is fairly wide and there is an obvious path to follow. It’s also a pretty short ridge so you’ll be up at the summit before you know it. The views from the top are simply amazing. As well as the more imposing mountains and summits that we were surrounded by, one of the lads I was with spotted Moel Famau, our local hilltop in North East Wales. I’ve simply never had a clearer day than that in Snowdonia during the winter months!
Once you’ve gorged yourself on the awesome views and had the obligatory cairn photo, you’ll continue in the same direction to begin your descent. Keeping the steep cliffs to your left, fix your focus on the small lake (Llyn y Cwn) below you to the south-east. The path down to it soon becomes more obvious and you’ll reach it in no time at all.
Once at Llyn y Cwn, if you’re tired, you now have the option of hanging a left to follow the path to Devil’s Kitchen and then back home via Llyn Idwal. However, if you’ve still got energy left in your legs, you can continue straight ahead to take on the mighty Glyder Fawr. Glyder Fawr, at 1001m, is the higher of the two peaks and also offers you opportunity to test your scrambling skills. Although there is a trail to follow, we quickly ditched that to work our way over to the magnificent boulders that can be scrambled over to reach the summit. If you do decide to leave the trail, just take care as there are areas of loose scree to pass over before you reach the boulders, and slabs of giant rock which make this such a fun route.
The summit of Glyder Fawr resembles a lunar landscape. It really is a remarkable environment. Like Y Garn, it also offers brilliant views on a clear day. Just make sure that you explore the summit and its many amazing rock formations before you leave. It’s certainly a great photo opportunity. You’ll have a great view over to the summit of Snowdon and you’ll be able to look back across to Y Garn.
If you chose to scramble up to the summit of Glyder Fawr, you’ll now descend back down the recognised path. It’s steep and has sections of loose rock and scree in places, so just take care with your foot placements. You’ve come this far, you don’t want to slide down on your backside (or worse) now!
Once you reach the bottom of the descent path, you’ll be back adjacent to Llyn y Cwn. You’ll now need to hang a right to follow the path down through Devil’s Kitchen. Although the start of this final descent is quite gentle, it soon becomes very steep in places. As a result, care must be taken. When we last visited, despite there being very little snow up high, this section of the route remained pretty icy. As such, take your time. You wouldn’t be the first person to slip on this section!
Once you’ve descended through Devil’s Kitchen you’ll arrive back at Llyn Idwal. On your way, you’ll be sure to marvel at the age and scale of this giant stone amphitheatre. Keep to the right hand side of the lake, crossing the stream on your way. You’ll now have the iron gate and car park in sight. Of course, you’ll be tired, but you’ll also have had a damn good day. There are a few places to refuel nearby. With everything from cafes to pubs, you can be certain to find somewhere to suit your tastes. And, let’s face it, what better way to relive the outdoor memories made that day.
Y Garn and Glyder Fawr are beautiful and challenging mountains that offer superb views. If you’re planning a trip to Snowdonia this year they should definitely be on your ‘to do’ list.
The route with the option to add the path to Glyder Fawr when you reach Llyn y Cwn.
Great stuff. I love this route. Cannot wait to go back one day!
Yeah great route isn’t it. Certainly got lucky with the weather!
so beautiful! #mondayescapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…My English memories: Bury St Edmunds
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The scenery you travel through reminds me of my geography field trips from my A level days, my memory fails me but I’m sure that was in Wales. #MondayEscapes
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Keeping chickens safe from the European bird flu.
Yes, there’s certainly some great physical geography investigations to be had in Snowdonia. Thanks for reading.
This is such a great article – I would love to hike up Y Garn and Glyder Fawr after reading this. What a fantastically detailed post. #mondayescapes
Many thanks Jo, I really appreciate that.
Thank you.
Wow stunning pictures. Looks like a great place for a hike! #MondayEscapes
Thank you.
Wow these photos are breathtaking, I think this would be a little challenging for me, but the feeling must be incredible when you get to that view. Thanks so much for linking up #MondayEscapes
Yes the scramble up is definitely worth the view. Thanks for hosting 😁
These are such stunning photos, we used to get out to snowdonia loads before we had the kids. I;m hoping in the next couple of years we can do quite a bit more! #MondayEscapes
Mini Travellers recently posted…Stay in a Haunted Castle, St Briavels, Gloucestershire
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DH and I are planning on doing the 3 Peaks Challenge this year in my brother’s memory and your stunning photos have given us a great insight of what we’re in for! Beautiful! #MondayEscapes
Tania @ Larger Family Life recently posted…Our Big Family Stay at Bluestone Wales
I’m also doing that in memory of someone this year. Best of luck with it.
Amazing photos. Looks like a great experience. Thanks for linking up to #ThatFridayLinky
Emily recently posted…My Favourite TV shows & Toys from the ’90s
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Wow how amazing. I have never done any walks like this but I do love dreaming about one day getting myself properly prepared and giving it ago. Thanks for sharing on #thatfridaylinky and I can at least enjoy the pictures of the stunning scenery
Ah thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and have a good weekend.
The photography is awesome David as usual another brilliant informative post love reading them Thanks for linking to the #THAT FRIDAY LINKY come back next week please
Thanks mate and will do.
Love the view!! I remember going there when i was a kid.
Clare recently posted…Easy Chilli Chips and Cheese Recipe
What great scenery on this route and a greta tip about looking up. I think you can sometimes become so focused on the ascent that you miss some of the best views #MondayEscapes
Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…Winter gardens and tropical butterflies at RHS Wisley
Thanks Claire. Sometimes I just make out I’m taking in the view to rest haha.
What a great challenge. We hike regularly with our 7 year old son, this will be an awesome one to tackle with him when he is a bit older, for now we’ll stick to the more moderate hikes. Thanks for including the map too.
I haven’t been back to snowdonia since having the kids. Can’t wait to get back there. great blog #adventurecalling 👍
Maid in Dartmoor recently posted…48hrs with Maid in Dartmoor
Thanks so much. We’re very lucky to have it just a short drive away. Have a lovely day.
This is on the list to do some day. The last time I climbed Mount Snowdon was 1993! I was 12….. can you imagine lots of softie southerner kids whinging all the way up?!! That is what I was dealing with. I was only one of 2 girls who finished. Lovely photos. Sarah #adventurecalling
Sarah Stockley recently posted…Moomoo ponchos for kids
Haha that sounds like some of the DofE expeditions I’ve led. When you head back to do Snowdon again definitely have a look at y Garn and the Glyders. Generally much quieter than the Snowdon paths.
I’ve always wanted to walk Snowdon, but recently seeing images of the crowding, I’m thinking of other places instead, this looks great, far less crowded. #AdventureCalling
Ashley Crombet-Beolens recently posted…Spring Patch Walk
Yes, this is much quieter. A lovely little gem Y Garn. Snowdon is great but you’ve got to get the timing right. We went up via Crib Goch at first light last week and only saw a couple of people until the summit. Coming down the Pyg mid morning though was like a motorway.
What a sunrise-looks unreal #adventurecalling
If only all of my mornings could look like that haha.
It’s been a while since I trekked in Snowdonia, thanks for the inspiration! #adventurecalling
No problem and thanks for joining us.
What an amazing adventure! I love loop trails, they seem to keep the descent from being to tiring for me.
#adventurecalling
Ellie recently posted…Protected: Instagram Challenge #momsadventuretoo
Definitely. Always something different to look at. Thanks for joining us.
Wow those views are incredible, what an amazing adventure you look to of had. Not sure I would be brave enough on the scree and boulders! #adventurecalling
I cant wait until our boys are old enough to do some hiking like this. We havent tried any hill walking with them yet. Great photos #adventurecalling
I took Jesse up Snowdon last year just before his 3rd birthday in the carrier. It was brilliant to have him with me nut word the weight nearly saw me off! He’ll have to wait now until he can make his own way up haha. I’m hoping to take the baby up soon though. Thanks for reading.
Stunning scenery! One day, when I’m fit…. #adventurecalling
Gorgeous isn’t it! Have a nice long weekend.
Wow those views are quite something! Never been to Wales but it’s definitely on my bucket list now!
#Adventurecalling
Beautiful country Annette. Have a nice weekend.
I really want to plan a hiking trip to Snowdonia – it looks like you know your way around so will be checking out your other posts. I just need to decide if my 10 and 12 years olds are up for the challenge too! #AdventureCalling
Yes, we’re very lucky to have just a shortish drive from us. There’s plenty of pretty accessible paths in the area for younger walkers too. Thanks for dropping by.
Love the little video. Hills are such a challenge to scale but you sure are treated to some lovely views.#adventurecalling
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Yes, that’s something I have to remind myself of sometimes when I’m out of breath half way up to a summit haha. Thanks for dropping by.
Wow! Amazing photos…I must get back to my hiking. #Adventure calling
Thank you.
What amazing photos! That looks awesome, definitely something to add to our to do list, can’t wait until my brother is old enough for us to do some proper hiking. #adventurecalling
Thank you. Yes, definitely one to add to your list.
Looks really lovely! great post. I went here as a teenager and would love to go back one day #adventurecalling
Beautiful part of the country. Ironically we were just looking at breaks away to Devon.