SH6558 : The Cantilever Stone

Glyder Fach

994m Elevation
74m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6558 : The Cantilever Stone

John Fielding Photo source

Explore routes near Glyder Fach

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

12.3 km ~5h 30m Hard

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Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy from LLanuwchllyn

17.5 km ~9h Moderate

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Cadair Idris - Pony Path

9 km ~3h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Miners' Track to Glyder Fach

This popular route starts at Pen-y-Pass car park and follows the Miners' Track towards Llyn Caseg-fraith. From here, ascend steeply up the scree slopes to the summit of Glyder Fach, passing dramatic rock formations like the Cantilever Stone along the way.

10 km ~5 hours Hard

Ogwen Valley via Devil's Kitchen

Begin at Ogwen Cottage and ascend via the well-marked path through the Devil's Kitchen (Twll Du). From here, follow the ridge past Llyn y Cwn and climb to the summit of Glyder Fach, offering stunning views over Snowdonia.

8 km ~4.5 hours Hard

Glyderau Traverse from Pen-y-Gwryd

Start at Pen-y-Gwryd and follow the trail up to Glyder Fach via Llyn Cwmffynnon. After reaching the summit, continue to Glyder Fawr for a full traverse of the Glyderau range, ending at Ogwen Cottage.

12 km ~6 hours Very Hard

Glyder Fach from Tryfan via Bwlch Tryfan

This circular route begins at Ogwen Cottage and ascends Tryfan before crossing Bwlch Tryfan to Glyder Fach. Scrambling experience is essential for this adventurous route, which includes the famous Cantilever Stone.

9 km ~6 hours Very Hard

Nant Peris to Glyder Fach

Start from Nant Peris and ascend towards the Glyderau range via the steep and rugged terrain of Cwm Glas Mawr. This quieter route avoids some of the crowds and leads directly to the summit of Glyder Fach.

10 km ~5.5 hours Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain

Elevation

994m

3,262 ft

Prominence

74m

Coordinates

53.1048, -4.0084

SH656582

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The summit of Glyder Fach is adorned with impressive features including a large cairn and the iconic cantilever stone, which juts out dramatically over the valley below.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with sections of grassy patches; prepare for a few scrambles.

Glyder Fach is primarily composed of granite, a resilient rock formed from molten magma. The rugged landscape is a testament to the area's glacial history, further hallmarked by striking rock formations known as 'the Glyderau'.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the surrounding peaks of Snowdonia, including Tryfan and the Glyderau range. On a clear day, the Irish Sea and the Isle of Anglesey are visible.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Glyder Fach translates to 'the small rocky hill', which is a fitting description considering its stature against the giants in Snowdonia.

Historical Significance

Glyder Fach holds historical significance as part of the ancient Welsh landscape and is a popular destination for climbers and hikers due to its striking formations.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The car park at Ogwen Cottage is the nearest, which is free and has limited spaces. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Betws-y-Coed with bus services from there to the Ogwen Valley.

Nearby Facilities

There are toilet facilities at Ogwen Cottage, and plenty of opportunities for refreshments in nearby villages. However, it’s wise to pack a flask of tea just in case!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep sections with loose rock; weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for everything from sun to rain. Some scrambles can be tricky if wet.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Glyder Fach?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Glyder Fach through the maps

Are there other walkers around Glyder Fach?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Glyder Fach search or of course create your own walk for Glyder Fach

Can I organise a walk to Glyder Fach?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Glyder Fach.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Glyder Fach?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Glyder Fach here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SH656582

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Nearby Hills

Tryfan

918m

Glyder Fawr

1,001m

Y Garn

947m

Carnedd Dafydd

1,044m

Y Lliwedd

898m
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