A weekend adventure in North Wales
4-days of scrambling and wild Camping
North Wales is one of my favourite places for a weekend adventure, offering stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities. I recently spent four incredible days exploring this beautiful region, filled with grade 2 and 3 scrambling, wild camping, and a challenging climb up Crib Goch.
A night on the mountain, wild camping with a view of Tryfan
Day 1: Arriving at Garth Campsite
I kicked off my adventure by arriving at the Garth Campsite, where I set up my tent with a breathtaking view over Snowdon. For just £8 a night, this campsite is a gem. It offers fantastic facilities, including warm showers — a real luxury after a long day out in the mountains. I spent the evening relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery, excited about the days of adventure that lay ahead. The address is Garth Farm, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0ES
Day 2: Scrambling Tryfan with Peak Climbing School
The next morning, I headed to the Ogwen Valley to meet up with an instructor from the Peak Climbing School for a day of scrambling on Tryfan. We started at 9:00 am, and the whole day was dedicated to learning the essentials of scrambling. My instructor guided me through the Grade 2 and 3 scrambles for the day, teaching me about proper foot placement, handholds, safety techniques and rope work.
Scrambling up Tryfan was a fun experience and one I look forward to doing again. The views over the valley were spectacular with Llyn Ogwen down below and the RAF jets flying beneath us.
Day 3: More Scrambling and a Night Under the Stars
We headed back up towards Tryfan and spent the morning exploring a new scrambling route. On the way up, we visited Milestone Buttress, the perfect spot for a mountain photo with the Ogwen Valley in the background. By the end of the day, I felt much more confident in my scrambling abilities and eager to take on more difficult terrain in the future.
After a full day of climbing, I decided to spend the night wild camping. I made my way up towards Carnedd Llewelyn, where I found a secluded spot to set up camp, well above the highest stone wall and out of the way of any farmer’s fields. The skies were clear, and the views of the surrounding mountains were stunning. Lying under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature, was the perfect way to end the day.
Early morning sunrise on Tryfan
Day 4: Conquering Crib Goch
The final day of my adventure was dedicated to conquering Crib Goch. Known for its knife-edge ridge and steep drops, this was by far the most challenging climb of my trip — and I was tackling it solo. The weather was a mix of clouds, sun, and light showers, which added an extra layer of difficulty to the ascent.
Crib Goch demanded every bit of focus and strength I had. The narrow ridge and exposed sections made for a heart-pounding experience, but reaching the summit was incredibly rewarding. During my climb, I came across two lads who were on their first-ever hike, keen to get to the top of Snowdon but seemed unsure of the route. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation — always bring a map and compass, know your route, and wear appropriate gear, especially in unpredictable weather!
What level of difficulty is Crib Goch? - Grib Goch is a grade 1 scramble that requires a good level of navigation, sturdy walking boots and waterproofs.
Reflections on My North Wales Adventure
North Wales has so much to offer, especially for those who love the outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just starting, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re planning a trip, remember to respect the mountains, leave no trace prepare thoroughly, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Have you experienced the beauty and challenge of North Wales? Share your adventures in the comments below!