Climbing

Tryfan (free climbing)

Tryfan is located in the Snowdonia National Park and stands at a height of 915m (3,002ft).

The mountain is very easy to get to. We just parked on the road and the foot of the mountain was just a 5 minute walk away. This mountain is perfect for free climbing. The ridge nearest the road is the route that we took. It was mainly scrambling/free climbing. We advise taking someone with you who knows the area and who has climbing skills.

Preparation:

We went in the winter to Tryfan so the right clothes are important. Good walking boots (Vibram sole), breathable coat, light weight and breathable trousers, walking socks, gloves with grip, hat, jumper and a day pack consisting of:-

• Food (high energy food but not sweets. Nuts, energy bars, nut bars, chocolate, fruit, sandwich and water but not too much water because of the weight. I took 1ltr).
• Head torch
• Water proofs
• Survival kit (available for outdoor activity shops)
• Mobile Phone (in case of emergency)
• Remember to let someone know where you are going and your expected time to return

The climb itself is very simple (foot holds and hand holds everywhere) but its the altitude that gets the adrenaline pumping and we seemed to be very high very fast.

In the photo above you can see how close the road is to Tryfan but also how small the cars look after just 30 minutes of climbing.

At about the half way point we can across a fallen rock that has been wedged in the mountain forming an overhang. Its called 'The Cannon'. Many people have their picture taken stood on top of it but I warn you its not for the faint hearted.

All this time we had been in the shadow of Tryfan and it was very cold but just above 'The Cannon' there is a ridge and when we got over it the warmth of the sun was on our faces and we could see the summit. The photo below show us climbing over this ridge and you can see the shadow of the summit casting over the neighbouring mountain.

Another 40 minutes of climbing and we were on the summit where we found 'Adam & Eve' - two 7ft high rocks, 4ft apart on the edge of the mountain which we where told that everyone who climbs Tryfan has to jump between. Again, not for the faint hearted so dont worry if you dont want to jump them. When on top of 'Adam & Eve' you are at the highest point on that mountain by yourself and to your left is a drop straight down to the bottom of the mountain. Adrenaline is flowing round your veins at this point and with one carefully planned leap you land on the other rock and climb down feeling great.

We then descended Tryfan the easy way - down the back route which then leads you to the 'Brissly Ridge' which we will be reviewing soon.

Climbing is a great way to get and stay fit. If you are looking at taking up this extreme sport check out the net to find out where your nearest climbing centre is.

Where

Want to get into climbing? Check out this link for the UK climbing directory. Every climbing wall and bouldering room in the country.  Yippee!

www.thebmc.co.uk/Feature.aspx?id=2234

Equipment and Costs - basic equipment need to take a climbing course without having to rent any equipment.

Harness  -  from £40

Karabiner  -  £15

Belay Gear  -  £15

Climbing Shoes  -  from £55

Helmet  -  £40

Rope  -  This comes in lots of different lengths and thickness. A rough price is about £100 for 9mm x 50m. Rope is provided at climbing centres to use free of charge.

Chalk Bag  -  £10