THE GLYDERAU CHALLENGE WALK - 15 1/2 MILES & 6,500 ft. of ascent BY TONY HILL

The Glyderau, part of the Snowdonia National Park, are a compact group of mountains flanked to the North by the AS road which passes through Nant Ffrancon, and to the South by the A4086 which squeezes a way through the Llanberis Pass. On the map the area looks like a foot with the  toe at Capel Curig. The word Glyder has no common usage in modern Welsh but it is generally accepted to mean “pile of stones”, an apt name as anyone who has visited the summit of Glyder Fach will testify. As to correct pronunciation I suggest you ask a Welsh speaker, of whom there are many in this part of Wales. I will point out, however, that saying ‘glider’ is nowhere near correct.

The Glyderau are second only to Snowdon itself in their popularity with mountain walkers, not least because five of the peaks top 3,000 ft. and are thus part of the classic “Welsh 3000’s” route. Even so there are many tranquil places away from this well-beaten path. The scenery is best described as dramatic. Wherever you walk in the Glyderau you will be rewarded with spectacular mountain views. Signs of the Ice Age are all around, most notably in the ridge overlooking Nant Ffrancon (Ogwen Valley) where hanging valleys gouged by minor glaciers have been left isolated high above the deep U-shaped valley cut by the main glacier, which issued from Cwm Idwal. Cwm Idwal is now a nature reserve where rare alpine plants have survived, after the ice retreated, on cliffledges overlooking Llyn Idwal.

The Challenge detailed in this book is an end to end traverse of the
Glyderau taking in all the summits in the range. Though not long as the crow flies the walk is a tough one. There is much ascent and descent, some of the going is rough, and you will need to use your hands often to enjoy some good scrambling. At the end of the walk you will have experienced some of the best mountain walking that North Wales has to offer..... TONY HILL.

A5. PLACED IN A WRAP AROUND PLASTIC COVER.

Special embroidered badge and signed certificate for successful walkers, from John Merrill.

All walkers added to my Walkers Roll of Honour page.