Snowdon DANGER SPOTS
Come bad or cold weather, Wales’ highest mountain turns hazardous – and some of the most dangerous spots lie in the most unexpected places. Here we highlight the principal areas where extra concentration is required, particularly on the exposed ridge scramble of Crib Goch. CRIB GOCH 1
GRID REF
SH627552
This marks first major rock step on
Crib Goch.
A surprising number of people who arrive at this point think they’re heading for Snowdon – which they are eventually, if they’re fortunate and prepared; but if they’re unprepared for the exposure of Crib Goch, they could be climbing themselves into a trap that can be very difficult to retreat from.
CRIB GOCH 2
GRID REF SH617551 This is where Crib Goch rears up again with an imposing rock tower that deflects people to the left (south). Several small footpaths also develop in this area, which cross some steep and unpleasant ground.
CRIB GOCH 3
GRID REF SH615552 By this point you’ve officially left Crib Goch and are on Crib-y-Ddysgl, but there are still threats. In poor weather some people pick up the top of the Clogwyn y Person arête. They mistakenly think this is the main ridge and continue descending until they either realise what they’re doing, or it becomes too late.
CRIB GOCH 4
GRID REF SH614552 Here’s another area that tends to deflect people away from the ridge and to the south – where it is very loose, rocky and unpleasant.