Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Snowdon — Crib Goch, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Wales, UK
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Welsh mountain (500–1,085 m)
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
Key takeaways
- Biome: Welsh mountain (500–1,085 m)
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Snowdon — Crib Goch
Topic summary
The knife-edge scramble to Snowdon's summit — Grade 1 scramble.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Welsh mountain (500–1,085 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Snowdon — Crib Goch trip tools
How to get there
Snowdon — Crib Goch is in Wales, UK, Worldwide. Its center point is 53.0722, -4.0464. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- Eryri National Park
Regional setting for Crib Goch in North Wales, also known as Snowdonia National Park. Confirm the road approach and trailhead before travelling.
- Crib Goch
The ridge objective in Gwynedd. Any approach that tackles the arête enters graded scrambling terrain in summer or mountaineering terrain in winter; it is not a walking-only access option.
Popular pursuits at Snowdon — Crib Goch
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
Animals around Snowdon — Crib Goch
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Snowdon — Crib GochAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Snowdon — Crib Goch
Planning to fish Snowdon — Crib Goch, UK? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in UK are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Snowdon — Crib Goch?
- A UK fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current UK fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Snowdon — Crib Goch
Thinking about hunting Snowdon — Crib Goch, UK? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in UK are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Snowdon — Crib Goch?
- Confirm the land around Snowdon — Crib Goch is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in UK?
- A UK hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The ridge and its setting
Crib Goch is a knife-edged arête in Gwynedd, Wales, within Snowdonia National Park, officially known as Eryri National Park since 2022. Its Welsh name means “red ridge,” and its highest point reaches 923 metres (3,028 ft) above sea level. For trip planning, the defining feature is the ridge itself rather than its elevation: this is scrambling terrain, not an ordinary walking route. The surrounding North Wales landscape includes moors, hills, lakes and waterfalls, with hiking and mountaineering among the park’s established outdoor activities. A visit focused on Crib Goch should therefore be planned around the demands of moving on a narrow mountain ridge, rather than simply reaching a high point.
Scrambling grades and exposure
Every route tackling Crib Goch crosses graded scrambling terrain. In summer, these routes are scrambles; the easiest line through the section described as the “bad step” is Grade 1. Other lines reach Grade 3, with routes harder than that classified as rock climbs. Those distinctions matter when choosing an outing: the easiest stated grade does not turn a knife-edged arête into a straightforward hill walk. Comfort with exposure, deliberate foot placement and the ability to judge terrain should shape the decision to attempt it. Treat the grade as a description of technical movement, not a guarantee of comfort or safety. Anyone seeking a walking-only day should not regard Crib Goch as interchangeable with an ungraded mountain path.
Season and preparation
Season changes the nature of Crib Goch substantially. Its routes are described as summer scrambles and winter mountaineering routes, so a winter visit calls for a different level of preparation rather than merely warmer clothing. Plan for the conditions on the ridge, not just those lower down, and check mountain weather before committing. On a knife-edged arête, wind, wet rock or poor visibility can make movement and judgement more demanding. Carry clothing and supplies appropriate to a mountain outing, and choose conditions that leave a margin within the group’s abilities. A summer scrambling grade should never be treated as a complete description of a winter objective. If the conditions exceed the group’s experience, change the plan.
Route options
- Crib Goch — summer scrambleGraded scrambling; Grade 1 at the easiest “bad step,” with other lines up to Grade 3.
Tackle the knife-edged arête as a scrambling objective. The easiest line through the “bad step” is Grade 1, while other lines reach Grade 3; choose terrain that matches the group’s experience and comfort with exposure.
- Crib Goch — winter mountaineeringWinter mountaineering.
A seasonal version of the ridge objective, not a separate documented itinerary. All routes tackling Crib Goch are considered mountaineering routes in winter and require preparation appropriate to winter mountain conditions.
Sample itineraries
- Crib Goch summer scramble · 1 day
Plan a summer scrambling day on Crib Goch, with the knife-edged arête as the objective. Choose terrain within the group's ability: even the easiest line includes Grade 1 scrambling. Proceed only when conditions and everyone's confidence on exposed ground are suitable.
- Flexible Eryri scrambling visit · 2 days
Allow two days for a condition-dependent Crib Goch objective. Use the first to assess weather and group readiness; attempt the ridge on the more suitable day. If conditions remain poor, leave Crib Goch for another visit rather than forcing the plan.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; assess conditions before committing
Do not assume a change of season makes the ridge a summer scramble. If winter conditions persist, treat the outing as mountaineering. Wet rock and poor visibility warrant a conservative decision on this narrow arête.
Summer
Summer scrambling conditions
Crib Goch routes are scrambles in summer, not ordinary walking routes. The easiest line is Grade 1; other lines reach Grade 3. Dry rock and clear visibility offer a better basis for assessing the exposed terrain.
Fall
Fall; choose conditions rather than a fixed date
Plan around available daylight and the mountain forecast. Wet rock, wind and poor visibility can make a knife-edged ridge much harder to manage. Reassess the objective if conditions exceed the group's scrambling ability.
Winter
Winter mountaineering conditions
All routes tackling Crib Goch are considered mountaineering routes in winter. Summer scrambling experience alone is not sufficient preparation. Appropriate winter skills, equipment and judgment are essential.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; assess conditions before committing | Do not assume a change of season makes the ridge a summer scramble. If winter conditions persist, treat the outing as mountaineering. Wet rock and poor visibility warrant a conservative decision on this narrow arête. |
| Summer | Summer scrambling conditions | Crib Goch routes are scrambles in summer, not ordinary walking routes. The easiest line is Grade 1; other lines reach Grade 3. Dry rock and clear visibility offer a better basis for assessing the exposed terrain. |
| Fall | Fall; choose conditions rather than a fixed date | Plan around available daylight and the mountain forecast. Wet rock, wind and poor visibility can make a knife-edged ridge much harder to manage. Reassess the objective if conditions exceed the group's scrambling ability. |
| Winter | Winter mountaineering conditions | All routes tackling Crib Goch are considered mountaineering routes in winter. Summer scrambling experience alone is not sufficient preparation. Appropriate winter skills, equipment and judgment are essential. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements with the managing agency before travelling.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- The knife-edged arête presents exposed terrain where a slip can have serious consequences.
- Even the easiest line includes Grade 1 scrambling; treating it as a straightforward hike risks exceeding the group's ability.
- Wet or icy rock can reduce grip and make scrambling moves harder.
- Strong wind can compromise balance on the narrow ridge.
- Poor visibility can make terrain assessment and navigation harder.
- Winter changes every Crib Goch route into a mountaineering undertaking.
What to pack for Snowdon — Crib Goch
- Footwear with reliable grip on rock
- Waterproof shell
- Warm layers
- Gloves and hat
- Map and compass, with the skills to use them
- Charged phone
- Headtorch
- Food and drinking water
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- Scrambling helmet
- Winter mountaineering equipment when conditions require it
- Training and practiced skills for any technical equipment carried
Snowdon — Crib Goch FAQ
- Where is Crib Goch?
- Crib Goch is in Gwynedd, Wales, within Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia.
- How high is Crib Goch?
- The highest point on the arête is 923 metres above sea level.
- Is Crib Goch a walking route?
- Not an ordinary one. All routes tackling Crib Goch cross graded scrambling terrain in summer and are considered mountaineering routes in winter.
- What scrambling grade is Crib Goch?
- The easiest line, including the 'bad step', is Grade 1. Other lines reach Grade 3. The grade does not remove the need to manage exposure, weather and individual confidence.
- Is it suitable for someone new to scrambling?
- The knife-edged terrain makes this a poor place to discover discomfort with exposure. Build scrambling skills on less committing ground first, and seek qualified instruction if unsure of your ability.
- What does Crib Goch mean?
- The Welsh name means 'red ridge'.