Pronunciation: Uh Garn (roll the 'r'!)

From the A5 by Llyn Ogwen

Y Garn dominates the head of the Ogwen Valley and is probably the second most shapely mountain in the vicinity (Tryfan has to win on that count!) It rises in the form of a massive pyramid, the hollow of Cwm Clyd nestling between two high ridges. This unusual shape gives it the appearance of a bulky armchair.

My brother James and I climbed Y Garn on a murky day in July 2005. There are many routes to the top. We chose the Devil's Kitchen route, which passes through Cwm Idwal and rises up the rear wall of the corrie towards a noted geographical feature, Twll Du ("Black Hole"), a remarkable cleft in the cliffs of Clogwyn y Geifr. This is generally regarded to be one of the steeper routes, but the scenery is enough to keep you going, both distant and near, where the rock architecture is spectacular.

The pass emerges at a broad col between Glyder Fawr and Y Garn itself. Nearby is the small tarn of Llyn y Cwn. Views open up to the Snowdon massif across the valley, although on that occasion the summits were hidden by a pall of cloud. The remaining climb to Y Garn's summit is very easy, over a mixture of grass and light scree. Although the path meanders to the left, it is best to keep to the cliff edge (except in high winds) for the remarkable views over Cwm Clyd and into the Ogwen Valley.

Since Y Garn is such a steep and precipitous mountain, there is a real sense of altitude and tremendous depth to the panorama. The view is comparable in quality to that of Bowfell, but in some respects is even better, especially with regards to the layout of lakes in the valley far below. Llyns Ogwen, Idwal and Clyd are all clearly visible.

We descended via the North-East ridge, a normal ascent route. This ridge is narrow without being exposed, rocky without being technical, and offers splendid views to either side. It makes a good route of descent, except near the top, where the combination of very steep ground and loose scree make things a little precarious. Three-season boots are advisable!

Y Garn offers a highly enjoyable climb, and there is scope on the East Ridge for difficult scrambling at around Grade 2 (which I hope to attempt in Summer 2006). Its only downside, if any, is the comparatively gentle and boring slope extending towards Old Llanberis.

Twll Du, the Devil's Kitchen	James on the East Ridge
View from the top	From near Gwern Gof Uchaf
From Tryfan Far North Peak	From the Gribin ridge, Glyder Fach