SH5958 : Y Derlwyn with Y Garn and Glyder Fawr in the background

Tryfan North Top

577m Elevation
20m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SH5958 : Y Derlwyn with Y Garn and Glyder Fawr in the background

Eric Jones Photo source

Explore routes near Tryfan North Top

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

Route planning notes

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

North Ridge Route

A classic ascent that offers exhilarating scrambling and stunning views, starting from the Ogwen Valley.

5 km ~3.5 hours Challenging

West Face Route

A less frequented path that provides a more secluded experience, perfect for adventurous hikers.

6 km ~4 hours Moderate to Challenging
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Subdodd

Elevation

577m

1,893 ft

Prominence

20m

Coordinates

53.1016, -4.0980

SH596580

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The summit is crowned by a large rock cairn, and you might spot the notorious 'Adam and Eve' boulders, a popular climbing challenge for many enthusiasts.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and steep with some sections of loose scree.

The mountain is largely composed of volcanic rock, specifically igneous granophyre, giving it a rugged appearance and providing a unique ecological habitat.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the surrounding Carneddau mountains, Glyderau, and down to the Ogwen Valley. On a clear day, the Isle of Anglesey and even a glimpse of the Irish Sea can be seen.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Tryfan' is thought to derive from the Welsh 'tryfan' meaning 'three peaks'.

Historical Significance

The mountain is famous not only for its rugged beauty and challenging climbs but also for its role in Welsh folklore and its prominence within early mountaineering culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking available at the Ogwen Cottage car park (SH 640 560), which accommodates a significant number of vehicles, but arrives early to avoid disappointment!

Public Transport

Bus services operate from nearby towns such as Bangor and Llanberis, making it accessible for those without a car.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés and toilet facilities can be found at Ogwen Cottage. Bethesda has shops and additional amenities worthy of a pre-hike visit.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and steep drops; ensure you stay on marked paths and watch your footing.
  • Weather can change rapidly, leading to potential risks of hypothermia in cooler months.

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 Tryfan North Top?

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

Are there other walkers around Tryfan North Top?

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 Tryfan North Top search or of course create your own walk for Tryfan North Top

Can I organise a walk to Tryfan North Top?

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 Tryfan North Top.

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 Tryfan North Top?

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 Tryfan North Top 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: SH596580

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.