Beyond Tryfan: Bagging Y Foel Goch and Gallt yr Ogof
As far as the Welsh Nuttalls go — those peaks over 2000 ft — I’ve summited most of them in the Glyderau several times. However, Y Foel Goch and Gallt yr Ogof at the eastern end of the range had yet to be bagged. Not surprising really, as they are smaller in stature than their neighbours and somewhat less dramatic. When you have the mighty Tryfan, the rocky peaks of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, and the majesty of Cwm Idwal next door, you’re bound to get overlooked.
Still, it was time to put that right. As a peak-bagger, there are always going to be summits that meet the criteria but don’t inspire much excitement. They still count, though, and that’s part of the challenge. Often, the less-celebrated hills turn out to give some of the best days: quieter paths, more navigation, and amazing views of the surrounding icons.
Approach via the Mighty Tryfan
Y Foel Goch and Gallt yr Ogof can easily be reached from Capel Curig along a gentle ridge. But Morgan was with me, and his main reason for the day was to make his first ascent of Tryfan’s North Ridge. It’s a route I’ve done many times.
The North Ridge isn’t hard to follow — there are numerous variations and no single set line. It’s all easy Grade 1 scrambling, not especially exposed. That said, there are harder options and proper climbs in the area, and people do sometimes stray off route and get into trouble. Sensibly, Morgan wanted a guide for his first attempt.
We set off under patchy clouds and sunshine, making steady progress. Just the two of us meant we were moving quickly, overtaking groups here and there. We paused at The Cannon for photos and a bit of exploring, but overall it was straightforward. Morgan took it all in his stride — as you’d expect at his age — and before long we were at the 918 m summit, standing by Adam and Eve. None of us made the jump today.
Up to the Glyderau
Our original plan was to descend and climb Sinister Gully and Bristly Ridge for more scrambling. But that would have taken us the wrong way, since I wanted to reach Y Foel Goch and Gallt yr Ogof. So we left that adventure for another day. After a quick lunch at the col, we struck across the slopes towards our next goals.
It was an easy walk, with a gentle climb to the top of Y Foel Goch (805 m), where we enjoyed fine views back to Tryfan’s rocky east face, and across to the Snowdon Horsehoe that we had walked recently. This part of thr Glyderau was quieter, with wetter ground compared to the busy rocky tops of Glyder Fawr and Fach.
From there, it was just a short descent and another pull up to Gallt yr Ogof (763 m). We stopped for a snack and watched as a huge military aircraft rumbled through the valley below us.
The Descent
For the way down we had a few options: retrace to the col and cut across towards Ogwen Cottage; drop below Tryfan’s east face; or descend along Braich y Ddeugwm. We chose the latter for a looped route and some new ground. It was damp and slippery in places but otherwise straightforward, finishing with an easy stroll along the valley path back to the car.
A Good Day Out
Morgan has now climbed Tryfan, and I’ve added two new Nuttalls to the tally — 118 out of 189 Welsh mountains above 2000 ft. We rounded things off at Siabod Café with coffee and hot chocolate, and then Morgan slept while I drove home.
Looking at the map of Welsh Nuttalls, the green triangles show those I’ve bagged, the white ones are still waiting. I think some trips to Bannau Brycheiniog are on the cards soon, as there are richer pickings there now than elsewhere. After that, it’ll be time to chip away at the odd outliers here and there.
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