Snowdonia National Park is a hiker’s paradise, but the majestic peak of Snowdon itself can get a bit crowded. If you’re looking for breath-taking views with a little more solitude, it’s time to explore other stunning summits in the area. Let’s dive into six incredible Snowdonia mountains that offer unforgettable panoramas and a true sense of wilderness adventure.
Explore the best Snowdonia mountains that aren’t Snowdon! Find stunning alternatives with incredible views and fewer crowds.
Y Garn – 947 metres
Towering at 947 metres, Y Garn is a formidable peak located within Snowdonia National Park’s magnificent Glyderau range. Its name, aptly translating to ‘The Cairn’, speaks of the rocky summit adorned with a manmade stone pile. Y Garn presents a challenge and rewards the intrepid with panoramic views, a taste of exposed mountainous terrain, and a touch of the region’s fascinating geological history. Its rugged beauty and breathtaking summit views make it a true hiker’s paradise.
Popular Routes:
- The Devil’s Kitchen: This challenging route starts at Llyn Idwal and ascends the steep eastern face of Y Garn through the dramatic chasm of the Devil’s Kitchen. Expect scrambling and a thrilling adventure.
- Miner’s Path via Llyn Ogwen: Beginning at the shores of Llyn Ogwen, this classic path gently ascends before connecting with a steeper climb to Y Garn’s summit.
Pen Yr Ole Wen – 978 metres
Pen Yr Ole Wen, meaning ‘Head of the White Slope,’ stands as a sentinel at 978 meters in the southern reaches of Snowdonia National Park’s Carneddau range. Known as the seventh highest mountain in Wales, Pen Yr Ole Wen promises not only a rewarding climb but also a journey back in time. Its slopes, rich in geological history, speak of ancient glaciers and volcanic forces that shaped these dramatic landscapes. The mountain’s iconic pyramidal profile, visible from the A5 road near Idwal Cottage, is a beacon for hikers, drawing them to a taste of Snowdonia’s wild grandeur.
Remnants of ancient hillforts hint at Pen yr Ole Wen’s importance in past eras, potentially as a strategic lookout point or a place of power. Hikers can choose from routes offering either a relentless ascent up the southwestern flank or more gradual paths with a mix of grassy slopes and rocky sections.
Popular Routes:
- Direct Ascent from Idwal Cottage: This route offers a steep but direct climb from the hostel. Be prepared for a strenuous ascent with some scrambling towards the summit. This route can be dangerous and is not advised for beginners.
- Carneddau Traverse: Pen Yr Ole Wen is a popular peak included in the longer traverse of the Carneddau range, offering a challenging multi-peak adventure for experienced hikers.
Tryfan – 915 metres
Tryfan, a peak rising to 915 meters in the Glyderau range of Snowdonia National Park, is a mountain famous for its distinctive triangular shape and challenging climbs. Its name, derived from the Welsh words “try” (meaning “three”) and “fan” (meaning “peak”), perfectly captures its three distinct peaks: North Peak, South Peak, and Middle Peak. Tryfan’s rugged beauty and exhilarating scrambling routes make it a magnet for experienced mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular Routes:
- North Ridge: This classic route ascends Tryfan’s iconic North Ridge, offering a thrilling scramble with spectacular views. The route requires a good head for heights, strong hands, and scrambling experience.
- Heather Terrace: A less strenuous route, the Heather Terrace provides a more gradual ascent to Tryfan’s summit, still has graded scrambling involved.
IMPORTANT: Tryfan is a serious mountain that should not be underestimated. Scrambling routes require experience, good weather conditions, and appropriate gear, including a helmet, sturdy boots, and waterproof clothing.
Other Features:
- Adam and Eve: Two large boulders near the summit, named after the biblical figures, offer a challenging scramble for those seeking an extra thrill.
- Ogwen Valley: The valley below Tryfan offers stunning scenery and a variety of walking and hiking trails for all levels.
Tryfan’s unique challenges and breathtaking views make it a mountain that will leave a lasting impression on those who dare to climb it.
Glyder Fawr – 1,001 metres
Glyder Fawr, meaning “large Glyder”, stands as a colossus in Snowdonia National Park’s Glyderau range, its peak rising to a formidable 1,001 meters. As the range’s highest mountain, it beckons experienced hikers with the promise of challenging climbs and awe-inspiring views. Glyder Fawr’s slopes are a testament to the raw power of nature, the landscape sculpted by eons of geological upheaval. Its rocky paths and weather-worn summit formations offer a taste of Snowdonia’s dramatic beauty, demanding respect and rewarding those who conquer it with breathtaking panoramas.
The rocky crown of Glyder Fawr offers a unique sense of accomplishment as you navigate the weathered boulders. From its top, expect wide-stretching vistas including Tryfan, Snowdon, the Carneddau range, and on clear days, even as far as the Isle of Man.
Popular Routes:
- Y Garn-Glyder Fawr Horseshoe: This route combines the summits of Y Garn and Glyder Fawr, offering a challenging but rewarding day out in the mountains.
Glyder Fach – 994 metres
Glyder Fach, meaning “small Glyder”, rises to a formidable 994 meters in Snowdonia National Park’s Glyderau range. Despite its smaller stature compared to its neighbor, Glyder Fawr, this peak demands respect and should not be underestimated. Its rugged terrain presents scrambles, rocky paths, and exposed sections, offering a thrilling challenge for adventurous hikers. For those who embark on Glyder Fach’s ascent, the reward is immeasurable: dramatic landscapes unfold before you, unveiling the very heart of Snowdonia’s wild beauty.
Popular Routes:
- Y Garn-Glyder Fach Horseshoe: This route combines the summits of Y Garn and Glyder Fach, offering a challenging but rewarding day out in the mountains.
- Scramble from Llyn Idwal: This route ascends Glyder Fach from the shores of Llyn Idwal, a beautiful lake located in the heart of the Glyderau range.
Note: Glyder Fach is a serious mountain that should not be underestimated. The scramble from Llyn Idwal is particularly challenging and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers.
Moel Siabod – 872 metres
Moel Siabod, rising to 872 meters in Snowdonia National Park, is more than just a peak – it’s a gateway to adventure. Its accessible position in the Ogwen Valley, near the charming town of Betws-y-Coed, draws both seasoned hikers and casual walkers seeking breathtaking views and a satisfying climb. Moel Siabod’s slopes offer a variety of experiences, from the well-established Miners’ Trail, suitable for those seeking a moderate challenge, to the South Ridge, demanding more technical skill and rewarding climbers with thrilling exposure. Reaching the summit unfolds panoramic vistas of Snowdonia and beyond, making the journey an unforgettable experience.
Popular Routes:
- Miners’ Trail: This route ascends Moel Siabod from the Ogwen Valley, via the Miners’ Trail. This is a popular route for walkers of all abilities.
- South Ridge: This route ascends Moel Siabod from the south via the South Ridge. This is a more challenging route, suitable for experienced walkers and climbers.
