Crib Goch via The North Ridge
By The Bald Scrambler
Crib Goch
Published By: Daniel Weadley. Updated: 14th May 2024. Filed at: Snowdon 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. Comments are open.
I’ve traversed Crib Goch dozens of times, including in winter, at night and in horrid rain. I’ve also approached it from different directions, such as in reverse and from the much quieter North Ridge.
While the North Ridge route isn’t as scrambly as the popular approach from the Pyg Track, it’s still a grade 1 and worth trying if you’re familiar with the area or you’ve done the main approach a few times and want to try a different route up to Crib Goch.
Below you’ll find:
- Videos and photos.
- Parking spots.
- Map.
- Route description.
Please read my disclaimer before reading further as scrambling is a dangerous sport and there are plenty of hazards on this route, including loose scree.
This page does not contain step-by-step instructions.
Crib Goch is a notorious accident hotspot that results in several deaths each year.
My Favourite Scrambling Footwear:
Parking and Approach
I usually park in the free layby by Cromlech Boulders (https://what3words.com/loopholes.tanked.litters ) and walk west down the A4086 for a few hundred metres until a small bridge leading to a path next to a farm building.Â
This path leads to Llyn Bach, a small lake currently with a tree in the middle island. You may recognise this lake if you’ve ever been up Crib Goch before.
It’s a long walk in, so allow an hour or a bit more if you’re taking it slow. There’s only a small amount of scrambling en route, at grade 1.
Here’s a map of the route I took, there is a slightly quicker way to reach the foot of the North Ridge, but this line takes in the scenic lake:
Here’s the lake with an island and tree:
Me sat next to the tree at Llyn Bach.
From Llyn Bach and the famous tree, the walk to the foot of North Ridge is obvious and straightforward:
Pointing the way to the North Ridge route.
My Favourite Scrambling Book
Start of the Scramble
The start of the scramble proper is horrible, it’s mostly very loose scree on a very loose approach.
I’ve never really enjoyed getting onto the ridge but fortunately it doesn’t take long:
My face says it all!
Here’s me on the North Ridge proper:
There’s still some decent grade 1 scrambling to be had here:
It gets better:
Joining Crib Goch
The North Ridge route ends at the start of Crib Goch, where it is joined by the traditional scrambling route from the Pyg Track:
The two routes merge at Crib Goch.
Is The North Ridge Route Better?
In one word: No.
The normal route up from the Pyg Track is more scrambly and more enjoyable but the North Ridge is quieter (I’ve only ever seen a few people on the North Ridge), has some short sections of decent grade 1 scrambling and is worth a visit if you’ve done Crib Goch before and want to try a different approach.
The North Ridge is often done in reverse by those completing the Welsh 3000s route as it offers a quick way to get to the Llanberis Pass road.
Crib Goch with the North Ridge to the left.
Continuation and Descent Options
The most obvious continuation is to traverse Crib Goch and go up Snowdon.
For those with limited time, come off Crib Goch at Bwlch Goch (the obvious dip in the ridge between Crib Goch and Garnedd Ugain) and head down the loose scree path towards the lake at Llyn Bach (with the tree in the middle) and go back down to the starting point of the route.
This is the route I took in my video.
Crib Goch Ridge.
Snowdonia Hiking Guidebook:
Route Profile and Information
Scrambling Grade: Grade 1.
Suitability for Beginners: While no more technically challenging than the normal route up via the Pyg Track, I feel this route is best for those who have done Crib Goch at least once before.
Navigation: The walk-in is long with one section of easy scrambling.
Dangers: As per most grade 1 routes plus the scree on the approach to the North Ridge. There are plenty of steep drops on the North Ridge, similar to Crib Goch so a head for heights is essential.
Approach Time: 1hr – 1hr15m
Popularity: This is the quiet side of Crib Goch.
Fun Rating: 6/10.
My Likes: A great option for those who love Crib Goch and want to explore the other side of the mountain and a different approach.
My Dislikes: Loose scree on the approach, long walk-in.
Nearby Scrambles:
Snowdon Horseshoe (grade 1)
Crib Goch in reverse (grade 1)
Clogwyn y Person Arete (grade 3)
Dragon’s Back (grade 2)
I Never Go Out Without a Lightweight Packable Jacket:
More:
I’ve scrambled up Crib Goch via the North Ridge several times and it’s an unusual and unfrequented route but well worth the effort.
There are many more scrambles in Steve Ashton’s “Scrambles in Snowdonia“, which is a bible of sorts for scramblers.
If you’re new to scrambling or want to find new routes, try this compact book that is small enough to fit in your backpack and maybe even your pocket.
About Daniel Weadley
These photos and route descriptions were created by Daniel Weadley, aka The Bald Scrambler and this page forms part of the Snowdon Range Scrambles.
From walking along beaches and kayaking down rivers to making his way up mountains and even jumping out of planes, Daniel has a love of the outdoors but scrambling is his real passion.
Daniel Weadley aka The Bald Scrambler
I Use This Water Filter Bottle
Have fun, keep safe. Hopefully I’ll see you on the mountains one day
By The Bald Scrambler
0 Comments