Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Walk
Explore the Glyderau mountain range on this spectacular walk in Snowdonia. The challenging walk visits the peaks of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach with incredible views towards Tryfan and over Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal. You will also pass incredible rock formations in the form of the Cantilever Stone and Castell y Gwynt.
The walk starts at Llyn Ogwen by Idwal Cottage where parking is available. You then climb towards the pretty Llyn Bochlywd and then on to Bwlch Tryfan. You continue to the peak of Glyder Fach, the second highest of the Glyderau range and the sixth highest in Wales. There is a challenging section over the spectacular Bristly Ridge where some scrambling is required. It's a stunning ridge with truly awe inspiring views over Nant Ffrancon and Cwm Idwal. At the summit of Glyder Fach you will find the precariously positioned Cantilever Stone.
The climb then continues to the high point of the Glyderau range at the 1000m high Glyder Fawr. You will pass the magnificent Castell y Gwynt with its series of tall spiky rocks and enjoy views towards Snowdon on this section.
The descent back to Llyn Ogwen passes the two pretty lakes of Llyn y Cwn and Llyn Idwal with wonderful views over the Ogwen Valley.
If you'd like to continue your walking in this area then the Cwm Idwal and Tryfan walks are both nearby.
The climb to Elidir Fawr can also be tackled from the nearby Nant Peris at the bottom of the Llanberis Pass.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Ogwen Snack Bar is located at the western end of Llyn Ogwen and a good option for some post walk refreshments. It's open seven days per week for most of the year – opening only at weekends during the winter months. The popular snack bar can trace its history back to the early 1900’s when it was precariously perched on rocks at the head of the waterfall from which it takes its name. Known throughout the world it has its place in the mountaineering history in this part of Snowdonia and has been run by the same family since 1953. It moved to its current location over forty years ago to the newer premises incorporating Snowdonia National Park warden office and public toilets. It sells a range of drinks, snacks, pasties, paninis and locally baked cakes. There's an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your food with fine views of the surrounding mountains. You can find the snack bar between Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal at postcode of LL57 3LZ for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Lon Las Ogwen cycle route starts/finishes at the western side of Llyn Ogwen. The off road trail will take you north to the coast at Bangor, passing the splendid Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda and the stunning glacial valley of Nant Ffrancon on the way. It runs mostly along old railway paths and the River Ogwen before finishing on the coast. The route is also suitable for walkers.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Glyder Fawr from Glyder Fach. It is thought the word "Glyder" derives from the Welsh word "Gludair", meaning a heap of stones.
Y Glyder Fach. Bristly Ridge is a grade 1 scramble in Snowdonia. It is located on the north side of Glyder Fach.
On the way down from Y Glyder Fach to Tryfan: rocks like a duck's beak.
Glyder Fach. Looking across from the north side of Bwlch y Ddwy Glyder, with Castell y Gwynt on the right.
Bwlch Tryfan
The famous 'cantilever' stone on Glyder Fach. This precariously positioned rock is much photographed.
Castell y Gwynt. "Castell y Gwynt" and the "Cantilever Stone" featured in Walt Disney's 1981 movie Dragonslayer; this was one entrance to the Dragon's lair.
Llyn Idwal
Elevation Profile
