Crib Goch

Crib Goch

Crib Goch is a 923.9 m summit and narrow ridge in the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) massif in Eryri. Its name means “red ridge”. The usual East Ridge ascent and ridge traverse are Grade 1 scrambles with serious exposure. They require previous scrambling experience, confident route-finding and the use of hands as well as feet.

Routes and returns

The usual approach starts at Pen y Pass on the Pyg Track and leaves it at Bwlch y Moch for the East Ridge. The traverse continues over the ridge and pinnacles to Bwlch Coch, then over Crib y Ddysgl to Garnedd Ugain and via Bwlch Glas to Yr Wyddfa. For a circuit back to Pen y Pass, return to Bwlch Glas and descend the Pyg Track. The Llanberis Path leads to Llanberis, so it is not a return to the same starting point.

The longer Snowdon Horseshoe adds Y Lliwedd. From Yr Wyddfa, descend the upper southwest ridge to the Watkin Path junction, then follow the Watkin route via Bwlch y Saethau to Bwlch Ciliau before continuing over Y Lliwedd and Lliwedd Bach. Descend to Llyn Llydaw and follow the Miners’ Track back to Pen y Pass. This complete circuit is about 12 km and includes further exposed scrambling. The Miners’ Track is a return leg here, not a direct East Ridge ascent.

These are route summaries, not turn-by-turn navigation instructions. Use a suitable map and a detailed scrambling guide, and plan the full descent.

Terrain and safety

The narrow crest, steep drops, pinnacles and slippery or loose rock demand sustained care. There is no straightforward escape from the committed ridge. A Grade 1 rating does not make this a low-risk walk. Eryri advises against attempting it in wet or windy weather, and says dogs must not be taken. If your experience or conditions are unsuitable, choose another route before committing.

Snow and ice make this a winter mountaineering undertaking requiring appropriate equipment and ice-axe and crampon skills. Check the mountain forecast and ground conditions. In a mountain emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Summit, geology and views

The summit is a rocky high point. The high ridge is intrusive rhyolite within the Ordovician volcanic succession. In clear weather there are views towards Garnedd Ugain and Yr Wyddfa; cloud can quickly obscure the surrounding mountains.

Access and facilities

Pen y Pass parking uses seasonal advance booking; check current arrangements before travelling. Sherpa’r Wyddfa buses provide an alternative from Llanberis and Nant Peris. Check the last return service in advance. Public toilets are listed at Pen y Pass Warden Centre; carry enough food and water for the day.

Cultural history

Crib Goch features in T. Rowland Hughes’s 1948 poem of the same name and in paintings by Kyffin Williams.