Crossing the Glyder Range

As many will have picked up, I do enjoy the idea of crossing a range of mountains without having to return to the start point. One of the best mountain days in Wales is the crossing of the Glyder Range. Start above Deiniolen, at the bottom of the Marchlyn Mawr access road (sorry, gated and locked!) – map ref. 594631. Follow the unused road up to the dam at Marchlyn Mawr. Head up the right hand (western) side of the lake, following rocky slopes directly to the summit of Elidir Fawr (90 minutes).

Now follow the attractive rocky ridge to the east, high above Marchlyn Mawr, either to the summit of Mynydd Perfedd and then turning south to Foel Goch (or follow the more major contouring path that misses both summits). A final steep riser brings you to the summit of Y Garn, which is one of the best viewpoints in the range (90 minutes).

Carry on along the main Glyder watershed to the south east, crossing above the Devil’s Kitchen, and then a bit of a slog up scree slopes to the summit of Glyder Fawr. The crossing to Glyder Fach needs very little height loss – if you like a bit of extra adventure, scramble over Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Wind) rather than following the path round. The summit area of Glyder Fach is one of my favourite places, a moonscape of wonderfully arranged rocks – the Cantilever, Castell y Gwynt, the summit rocks and many others. It is worth taking some time here to take pictures or pose for them by hanging off a spiky rock! (90 minutes).

The main ridge path carries on eastwards from here, down to the small ridge-top lakes of Llyn y Caseg-fraith, another of my favourite photo locations. Carry on eastwards over Y Foel Goch, past Gallt yr Ogof, to Cefn y Capel, and finally to the village of Capel Curig, where you can buy homemade flapjack at Pinnacle Pursuits. (2 hours – allow 7-8 hours in all, including rest breaks).