The East Ridge of Y Garn (Grade 2 Scramble)

Published By: Daniel Woodley. Updated: 17th October 2023. Filed at: Glyderau Scrambles. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made via links. Disclaimer: Scrambling is a dangerous sport, this route description does not provide step-by-step instructions. Read Disclaimer.

Y Garn is a popular mountain in the Glyderau with gentle slopes down the south-westerly side and rocky terrain on the north-easterly end. It’s here that scramblers will find one of the most exciting routes up to the summit – the east ridge.

The route can be broken down into three sections and in this guide, I’ll show you all of them.

This is a serious scrambling route (grade 2) and many will want to bring a rope for protection.

Everything you need to know about this grade 2 line can be found in this article and also in my video published in August 2022.

In a hurry?

Watch my video and use the chapters to skip to the relevant sections if you wish:

Section 2: The Grassy Area

Between the lower and upper ridges there’s a grassy area to traverse.

While of little interest, it does clearly separate the two ridges and it’s here that you’ll get your first close-up look at the intimidating upper ridge and the grade 2 scrambling that awaits:

Section 3: The Upper Ridge

There are two ways to gain the upper ridge.

The traditional line takes you slightly left of the lower section, don’t be intimidated by the steepness of the rock face here, continue leftwards and an easier scrambling line should come into view on your right.

Alternatively, go right over grass and gain height to rising steps which lead to the ridge.

The traditional line is best in all weather conditions but the alternative line is feasible and perfectly doable in the dry.

Watch out for loose rocks on the upper section, especially on the alternative line.

Once you are on the upper ridge, the crux of the route can’t be avoided.

The steep slabs on the alternative line

Once on the ridge, you will soon come to the crux of the route.

As the ridge narrows, a block stands in your way with two apparent lines around it – left or right.

I initially took the left line (up a ramp) and couldn’t find suitable holds, the sloping ramp was also of concern, so I backtracked a few metres and took the right line.

This right line led me to an exposed position over narrow ledges with a steep drop to the right and also a bold step but the holds here felt secure.

The narrow ledges on the crux of the route

While not technically difficult, the ledges to the right of the block are exposed

Beyond the crux of the route, the ridge soon levels out to a grassy area with an easy stroll up to the summit of Y Garn.

Here you can look back at the ruggedness of the route:

A screenshot from my drone footage – looking down at the upper section of east ridge

Continuation/Descent

From the summit of Y Garn, there are many options with the quickest descent to Llyn Idwal via the hiking route on the northeast ridge (located adjacent to the east ridge).

Also, consider the south path down to the small lake and then via the steps next to Devil’s Kitchen down to Llyn Idwal.