Y Gribin scramble on Lliwedd

The incredible views from Y Gribin towards Moel Siabod

(Please excuse the picture quality, my phone camera is not that great)

Most keen hillwalkers will have heard of the Y Gribin grade one scramble in the Ogwen valley, but few know the Y Gribin on Lliwedd.  Earlier this summer I was assessing a D of E group on Snowdon, and having check-pointed them on the summit I watched them down the initial steep section of the Watkin path, having to descend a bit myself as there was some light fog, and then remembered my van was the other side of the mountain... Damn!  I didn't really fancy going over Lliwedd, having already been up Snowdon twice in one day, but recalled reading where the start of the Gribin ridge was.  It was incredible, a fast descent, not a soul in sight, and I vowed to go back and ascend it.

Panorama of Lliwedd on the Left, the Gribin ridge in the centre and Snowdon on the right

Earlier this week a friend and I did just that.  As it is a short route, we had a lie in, and with the bad forecast, as Lliwedd is around 200m lower than Snowdon, had a much more pleasant day then those heading for higher peaks.

The small river crossing to get to the start of the ridge

Setting off up the Miner's track you soon pass the 'normal' descent route of Lliwedd, from where you can see our objective.  After a short walk onwards we were at the base of the ridge. 

Looking up at the entire ridge line

The first sections of the scramble are gentle, with simpler steps and routefinding.  As you ease into it and ascend further not only do the steps become 'solid grade one' but you need to begin to focus in on the route to seek out the best and simplest line.  With the hardest section left until last you soon top out by a small cairn and lake near the main path.

One of the main sections of scrambling

From here we traversed over Lliwedd in the fog and then legged it down to the car.

Fog and sun at the top of the ridge

It was a great adventure out, and one that I would highly recommend to the grade one scrambler who wishes to seek out a sound route without encountering many if any other people.

Snowdon panorama looking atmospheric between heavy rain showers