TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

Tryfan, Snowdonia

Tryfan is a regular winner in ‘favourite mountain’ polls; and you don’t have to climb it to see why. Heading west into the Ogwen Valley, drivers have to work hard to stop their eyes drifting up the striking north ridge and onto the tri-topped summit.

Passengers in the same vehicle can trace an imaginary ascent from Llyn Ogwen up onto the mountain’s northern tip. From here, the line of the Heather Terrace draws the eye across Tryfan’s eastern flank then up the crags of the rugged north ridge to its apex.

Upon reaching the top, the keen-sighted will spot two figures silhouetted against the sky. These are Adam and Eve, two monolithic protrusions of rock stood on the summit of the mountain. This freakish coincidence of geology has created a famous challenge. Jumping from the top of Adam to Eve is said to award the leaper the freedom of Tryfan. But before you rush up there to claim your mountain, be aware: although the distance is small, so is the landing platform. And it slopes away, is slippery when wet, and is poised above shattered rocks and the steep drop of Tryfan’s east face. However, despite these risks, it’s an ever popular challenge, and on a sunny weekend you may well have to join a queue!