Published By: Daniel Weadley. Updated: 1st May 2024. Filed at: Snowdon Scrambles. Disclosure: I earn commission from purchases made via links, read more. Comments are open.

Crib Goch is one of the UK’s finest ridge scrambles and is considered by mountaineers to be a classic route.

You can expect plenty of grade 1 scrambling, lots of exposure and sheer drops, stunning views and a thoroughly enjoyable day out in the mountains.

My name is Daniel and I have completed Crib Goch over 25 times, including at night, in winter conditions, and in reverse. I’ve also tackled it from the lesser-known north ridge approach. I am not a qualified mountain guide but I have lots of experience.

In this guide, I’ll cover:

• Parking.
• Route description from Pen y Pass car park.
• Map.
• Photos of the key sections, including the main ridge and the three pinnacles.
• Continuation and where to go after you’ve completed the ridge.
• Video and drone footage, taken by me.

A warning and disclaimer from me: Crib Goch is not a hiking route, it’s a scrambling route and you will need to use your hands to pull yourself over obstacles with the potential for a steep fall.

This guide does not provide step-by-step instructions and I accept no responsibility for your actions. There have been accidents and deaths. By continuing to read this page, you accept that you are solely responsible for your actions should you attempt this route.

I suggest you attempt this route in good weather and allow plenty of time.

If you are new to scrambling I suggest going with a qualified mountain guide/leader or at the least, someone who has been up there before.

Crib Goch is not a good introduction to scrambling, Moel Siabod and Striding Edge are widely considered safer and less vertigo-inducing while still fun and exciting.

Drone Footage

Check out this footage I published in 2023 on my YouTube channel:

My Favourite Scrambling Footwear:

Route Profile

Here are the key points:

Start: Pen y Pass car park (LL55 4NU) | What3words: decisions.square.late | Grid: SH 64723 55629

Alternative parking: See map below

Time there and back: 5-6.5 hours if you include a summit of Snowdon

Grade: Grade 1 scramble

Main hazards: Slips and falls from height, getting lost in low cloud, wind

Distance: 11km there and back (inc Snowdon’s summit)

My Favourite Scrambling Book

Section 2) Crib Goch Ridge

Once the start of Crib Goch has been reached, there’s a flattish rock which is perfect for resting, having a snack and enjoying the stunning views down to the Pyg and Miners’ Tracks:

The ridge itself is very steep and nearly impossible to traverse without using your hands to hold onto the rocks to steady yourself.

I’ve found it best to move slightly to the left of the ridgeline (about a metre) and then use my hands to hold onto the top of the ridge.

The ridge is very rugged but almost all the rocks are solid with only a few loose pieces here and there.

These Are Perfect for General Hiking:

How Steep is Crib Goch?

The two photos below show you how steep Crib Goch is.

The left side is steep but if you slipped, there’s plenty of rock that could break your fall.

The right side is far steeper and while not vertical, there’s very little to break your fall should you go over the edge.

I strongly suggest staying just left of the ridgeline. I have walked on the very top of the ridge before but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and certainly increases the risk of falling.

The Crib Goch route is one of the more difficult ways to reach the summit of Snowdon and is considerably more exposed than the Watkin Path which is widely considered the most difficult walking route.

How Long Does it Take to Traverse Crib Goch?

The ridgeline itself is fairly short (just over 200m) and the steepest section is even shorter (about 50m where it’s vertigo-inducing steep).

Moving at a reasonable pace on a fine weather day, I usually traverse the bulk of the ridge up to the first pinnacle in around 15-20 minutes.

Taking the three pinnacles directly, rather than avoiding them on the left side, took me around 10 minutes.

A first-timer may require more time – there’s no rush! I’m quick as I’m very familiar with the terrain.

The first two pinnacles can be tackled directly or bypassed on the left side. Here, I’m tackling the third pinnacle up a series of ledges rising left to right.

I Never Go Out Without a Lightweight Packable Jacket:

Section 3) Crib Goch to Garnedd Ugain

My favourite thing about Crib Goch isn’t just the steep ridge but also the sheer variety of scrambling on the entire route.

After the exciting pinnacles, there’s a drop into a small col at Bwlch Coch and from here the route rises to Garnedd Ugain with another burst of exciting scrambling at grade 1 en route.

This final section shouldn’t be underestimated as in my opinion, the scrambling is more technical than the ridge, although there is less exposure and it may feel safer than it actually is.

The rocky pinnacles at the end of Crib Goch with a dip into a col in the background (obscured by the pinnacles)

Stepping down off the third pinnacle into the col which marks the end of the route. Llanberis is in the background.

Section 4) Garnedd Ugain to Snowdon’s Summit

The official Crib Goch route ends at the col after the three pinnacles and the section up to Garnedd Ugain is a continuation that offers grade 1 scrambling – this should not be underestimated.

From Garnedd Ugain, you have several options:

• Walk up to the summit of Snowdon.
• Go down the Pyg Track.
• Go down one of the other paths such as the Llanberis Path.

A Different Approach to Crib Goch

The most popular approach to Crib Goch is via the Pyg Track but there is another approach via the North Ridge.

I feel this route is best suited to those who have already tackled Crib Goch at least once and want to try another approach.

Watch my video to find out more:

You may also like:

• The Snowdon Horseshoe (grade 1).
• Crib Goch in Winter.
• The Easiest Route up Tryfan (grade 1).
• The Eastern Terrace of Cloggy on Snowdon (grade 1+).
• Penmaenbach Arete (Grade 2- )

Nearby scrambles:

• Clogwyn y Person Arete (grade 3).
• Tregalan Couloir (Grade 2).
• Snowdon’s Y Gribin (Grade 1).

I Use This Water Filter Bottle