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Llyn Bochlwyd with Y Garn and Foel Goch in the background (Walk 6)

WALK SIX

The Glyders by the Bristly Ridge

Cwm Idwal

The ascent of the Bristly Ridge is one of the highlights of hillwalking in Wales. Technically, it ranks as a scrambling route, but one on which only the most timid are likely to find anything to test their nerve. There are no insurmountable difficulties, although in spite of encircling rock walls there are a few route-finding challenges that may invoke a little casting about and less than elegant poses. But the overall sensation is one of invigoration and excitement. And this is only the precursor to a splendid high-level traverse of two massive summits. Strong walkers may consider including the ascent of Tryfan as a prelude to this walk (see ssss1).

The Route

Herbert Carr in The Mountains of Snowdonia commented that ‘the Glyders are true mountain ground, and the wanderer must not look for smooth paths upon their craggy ridges.’ The Miners’ Track, along which this walk begins, is no exception to this, as it finds a way through such weaknesses as there are between Ogwen and Pen y Gwryd. This ancient highway is a relic of the days when hardy quarrymen crossed these rough and broken slopes every week on the journey from their homes at Bethesda to the mines beneath Snowdon.