Cwm Idwal & the Glyderau

Open dates 2026: Saturday 9th May 2026 Sunday 4th October 2026 This is a classic mountain walking day in Snowdonia that covers the three highest mountains in the Glyderau: Y Garn, Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach - all 3000 foot-ers. Whether you're looking to move on to something different than Snowdon for example or simply gain more experience & confidence in the mountains, a day across the Glyderau is highly recommended. This circular route is around 12km in length and ascends a little over 1000 metres in total Walking from the Cwm Idwal visitor centre, on the A5 near Bethesda, we first take the northeast ridge of Y Garn which steadily rises high above valley to the summit. A gentler descent to the high mountain lake of Llyn y Cwn is followed by rocky terrain to the days high point, Glyder Fawr, at 1001m. The weird & wonderful 'moonscape' of the Glyderau plateau stretches past an optional scramble up Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Wind) all the way to our final summit of Glyder Fach and it's famous 'Cantilever' stone. We descend across the head of Cwm Tryfan on a dogleg path and cross into Cwm Bochlwyd where a rocky & stepped path drops down alongside the river and joining into the main path to/from Cwm Idwal. The wonder of the Glyderau never gets old, if you're after a craggy/rocky/rugged mountain walking day without any graded scrambling, this is the day for you. What's Included: A full day of guided walking from a qualified, experienced & insured mountain leader in a small and personal group. Opportunities to improve your personal mountain skillset. An emphasis on education around the landscape, local knowledge, wildlife & more. Advice regarding local travel & accommodation. Required Experience: This is a fairly demanding day in the mountains, you should be comfortable on rocky & uneven terrain plus experience of walking 10km in a day. Please get in contact if you'd like to discuss the suitability of this route. Individual bookings: Spaces are £75 per person and the full balance is payable at the time of booking. Private bookings: Head to 'Bespoke Private Guiding' to check availability & book, prices start from £225, or feel free to get in contact for a custom itinerary.