Crib Goch Mountain

Address: Pen-y-Pass/PyG Track access, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Website: https://www.eryri.llyw.cymru (Snowdonia National Park Authority)

Crib Goch is a sharp, rocky arête on the eastern flank of the Snowdon massif in Snowdonia, Wales, with a summit at about 923 metres above sea level. It forms a dramatic, knife-edged ridge that is one of the most recognised scrambling routes in the UK.

The ridge is most often traversed as part of the Snowdon Horseshoe route, connecting to nearby peaks including Garnedd Ugain and the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at 1,085 metres. The route features sustained exposure, narrow crest sections and short steep climbs where hands are needed for balance and progress.

Crib Goch is a natural rock formation shaped by glacial and weathering processes during and after the last Ice Age; it has no built features and has been used recreationally by climbers and scramblers for more than a century. The route and ridge are maintained informally by the mountain community and national park authorities who publish safety guidance.

The feature sits within Snowdonia National Park on the eastern side of the Snowdon massif, above the Pen-y-Pass and Llanberis areas of north-west Wales. Access to the start of the main scramble is commonly made from car parks near Pen-y-Pass or from the Nant Peris/Llanberis side of the mountain.

• Difficulty: Classified as a Grade 1 scramble with long exposed sections; helmets and caution are commonly recommended by local guides.
• Best time: Best attempted in dry, calm weather between late spring and early autumn when the rock is less slippery and daylight is longer.

The common starting point is Pen-y-Pass car park on the A4086 (access from Llanberis or from Nant Gwynant); from Pen-y-Pass follow the Pyg Track route that leads up to the Crib Goch ridge.

• Crib Goch is exposed and requires scrambling ability; inexperienced walkers should not attempt it without a competent guide.
• Start from Pen-y-Pass (the Pyg Track car park) early to avoid afternoon winds and crowds on the ridge.
• In winter and early spring the ridge is avalanche-prone and icy - crampons and an ice axe are essential if conditions demand them.