Y Gribin - Carnedau
A classic run with a delightful scramble over a narrow ridge that is never too hard and has the added safety of a path running up its side.
Overview of the Run
A lovely introduction to sky running in the Ogwen valley, one of the National Parks most breathtaking backdrops. The long grassy descent towards Capel Curig is runnable throughout culminating in an awe inspiring low level traverse through the Ogwen Valley with sublime views of Tryfan’s iconic North ridge rising from the valley floor.
18.9 km (11.8 miles)
861m
Moderate / 1-
Approach
From multiple stops in Llanberis the S2 - Snowdon sherpa bus runs to Pen-Y-Pass. Change buses here to the S6 which runs to Ogwen cottage during the summer months (April to October).
Ogwen cottage is alternatively reached from Llanberis by driving over Pen-y-pass on the A4086. Turn left onto the A498 towards Capel Curig and continue until the T junction of the A5 is reached. Turn left signposted Bethesda and drive along the A5 for approximately 5 miles. There is limited parking at Ogwen Cottage but as you drive through the valley you will see many lay-bys. Please park responsibly in the car park or the lay-bys and not on the road itself.
Ogwen Cottage has toilets that has a basic food and drinks kiosk attached. There is also an interesting exhibition that highlights interesting facts about the local mountains that is worth a visit.
Route Description
1.
From Ogwen Cottage take the steps and path that runs behind the cottage through a beautifully crafted metal gate and over the impressive cascading river. When the path splits take the right turning up to Llyn Idwal.
2.
Follow the shoreline of the Llyn for 200m until you pass through a gate with a stone wall leading up the mountain. Straight after the gate turn left and follow a path that runs parallel to the wall. Continue up the initially steep path until it flattens. At this point turn right (south) up the grassy ridge.
3.
Continue on the easy path that climbs the wide grassy ridge leading to a large, flat plateau known as the "football pitch." From the far end of this, follow a path to the base of the scramble.
4.
There are two options, from the football pitch, you can either head left to the lowest rock step and start scrambling the ridge crest or take the path from the football pitch across loose scree reaching a rocky ridge near a slab. Ascend via a gulley on the right.
5.
Stick to the ridge as much as possible, when the ridge steepens briefly you can either climb the exposed step or bypass it on its right. Soon you'll reach the top and a small wind shelter.
6.
From the summit, turn left and take the less pronounced path that runs along broken ground to Glyder Fach. It can be quite disorientating in bad visibility with many ankle twisting rocks so take your time. Continue past the summit and carefully descend to a lovely grassy plateau with small llyns.
7.
Run along the grassy plateau (often boggy), ascend to Y Foel Goch before being able to enjoy the long descent to Capel Curig. There are a number of trods that can be taken but as long as you are heading west on the ridge towards Capel Curig you can't go wrong.
8.
You will eventually pop out onto a track by a gate, turn left and follow the old Roman road in its entiritity until you reach the A5 after Gwen Gof Uchaf campsite. From here the easiest route back to the car park is along the busy A5 on the path that runs along side it.
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.