Tryfan Bach (Little Tryfan), North Wales 30th July 2012

Tryfan from the campsite. 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

North Wales is an area I have been visiting for almost 16 years now on an annual basis. Over the years I have completed most of the peaks on numerous occasions and completed the majority of the scrambles.

Y Garn & Foel-Goch from the campsite. 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The 1st hill I ever did in North Wales was Tryfan, via South Gully M/Grade 3 scramble. At the time I lived in Manchester, my mate called for me early. We were supposed to be heading out to the Peak, but decided last minute to go to Wales. This proved to be the right decision, the weather was glorious. The ascent took us all day. The weather was too nice to rush. We snacked and drank a little at every opportunity. I think we spent around 2 hours on the summit taking in the views around us, lazing in the sun and chatting with other walkers. It was a fantastic day.

Me, Central Slab Route VD*, Tryfan Bach 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The alarm went off early 07:00, coffee was made and the task of loading the car began. It did not take us long and following a quick breakfast we were soon on the motorway traveling south to North Wales from Glasgow.

Me high up, Central Slab Route VD*, Tryfan Bach 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We arrived in North Wales around 2pm and called in to Bangor to pick up our supplies for the trip, then drove straight to Gwern Gof Uchaf campsite (673 604). Selected our pitch, pitched the tent, quickly commandeered a picnic bench and put the kettle on.

Me, Left-Hand Slab Route D, Tryfan Bach 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Vicks was busy making brews and lunch, I was absorbed in my new climbing guide (Climbers' Club Guides to Wales, Ogwen). Before Vicks could even finish making lunch and comment I had decided we were going to Tryfan Bach (672 601). It was ideal, less than a 5 minute walk from where we were camped. Tryfan Bach can also be approached from the roadside parking (672 605) in 10 minutes or you can pay a fee of £1 and park on the campsite.

Me placing gear, left-Hand Slab Route D, Tryfan Bach 30/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Lots of easy climbs up to 60m and the sun was shining. We climbed from around 4pm until 9ish and found the slabs to be really enjoyable. You could probably climb anywhere on the slabs at around severe.

Tryfan Bach from Tryfan 31/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Tired from the traveling we soon settled down to enjoy our evening meal and to make plans for the following day. We knew the weather was to turn foul late the following day, so we turned in after settling for a route on Tryfan and an early start.

Tryfan Bach close up from Tryfan 31/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)