Cribau & Lliwedd Traverse
A beautiful run in the shadow of Wales' tallest mountain with quality scrambling, sublime views and a grassy descent that you'll want to do over and over again.
Overview of the Run
Leaving the throngs of walkers, on their route to the summit of Snowdon, a first class scramble awaits you with Wales’ tallest mountain, Yr Wdyffa, reassuringly watching over you throughout. The scrambling is never too difficult and easy to follow so a great first sky run. The grassy ridge descent from Lliwedd is a pleasure to run from start to finish and will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
11.5km (7.1miles)
877m
Moderate / 1+
Approach
The S2 - Snowdon Sherpa bus leaves from multiple stops in Llanberis is by far the easiest way to access Pen-y-Pass at the top of Llanberis Pass.
Pen-y Pass can be accessed by travelling along Llanberis Pass on the A4086 but you'll have to book your parking well in advance. If travelling from other parts of Snowdonia there is also a park and ride in Nant Peris a short drive from Llanberis.
There are toilets at the Pen y Pass carpark and cafe (Caffi Gorphwysfa) attached with breathtaking views down the pass. The Youth Hostel across the road also has a cafe / bar that makes a good base while waiting for the bus.
Route Description
1.
From Pen y Pass, run along the well established Miners path passing Llyn Teyrn, across the stone causeway and along Llyn Llydaw. Continue past an old building, the copper mine crusher, on the steepening path until you reach another glacial lake, Glaslyn.
2.
At the outlet of Glaslyn, cross the stream and follow the faint path keeping spot height 646m to the left. Continue to the base of the ridge of Cribau that steepens in front of you.
3.
The first slab is long but easy, just watch out near the top especially if wet. After the slab, zig-zag your way up to find the easiest route to another long, steep section with a noticeable black groove in the middle. There are a few ways up, but the easiest is to take the groove to the left of the black groove, then step over the top of it onto easier ground. A few more stepped sections lead you abruptly to the top
4.
Find the Watkin path and head South East (left) towards Lliwedd. There is a well used path or alternatively great easy scrambling if you stick to the ridge on the left. Continue over the two summits of Lliwedd and a chance to take in some spectacular scenery.
5.
Continue down the East ridge from the summit taking care near the top until you reach the grassy col with a prominent path leading downhill. Its possible to take this path if you are short on time (leading back to the Miiners Track) but the better route is to continue along the grassy ridge following a faint path until you reach Gallt y Wenallt.
6.
From here the route is less pronounced and you'll have to pick your line. Start down the steep grassy ridge, care required, before opening the legs up and enjoying the down. Pick any line but you are aiming for a bridge over the large Hydropower pipe running down the valley. Cross the bridge and follow the pipe uphill staying under a rocky outcrop, this section can be quite boggy so expect to get wet feet. Head steeply uphill to reach the Miners path and the road back to the start. Its well worth stopping when you hit the path to enjoy views over the whole route you have just run.
Further Information
About this guide
Sky running is an extreme form of mountain running that includes using hands and feet (scrambling) to tackle technical terrain such as rocky ridges and ribs in breathtaking settings. Running in the mountains is an activity with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions. If you don't feel you have the skills or experience for this route you should seek professional assistance.