hi everyone,im planning on taking my son to Snowdonia at the end of August.I would like us to "attempt" Tryfan.Ive climbed it myself once before via the north face but feel that that route may be a little too much for him at the moment.So id like to know if maybe a route up from the Heather terrace would be more accessable for a 11 yr old??I know we could go via cwm Bochlwyd and up the south ridge but im not sure that will give him the "full taste" of the mountain. Or should we just try something completely new like Moel Siabod or Cnicht
The Heather Terrace is pleasant enough, but for an 11 year old I'd say Siabod or Cnicht would be much more fun. Siabod has more scrambly potential if he likes that sort of thing.
Having said that I've seen lots of kids having a blast on Tryfan's North Ridge. I guess you know his limits better than anyone else though.
The Heather Terrace is certainly more interesting than going up Cwm Bocllwyd so go for it.
Moel Siabod and Cnicht might be less busy, if that is an issue. There was hardly anyone on MS last Saturday despite there being lots of cars in the car park at the bottom. The top of Tryfan can get busy but not as bad as Snowdon.
How about Crib Goch? A mate took 3 ten year olds on it last year - no probs. But it depends so much on how you and your son feel on such things. It may be better to work up to it, something to aim for, aspire to? Bigger mountain, too.
Best not put him off - you'll have to judge it yourself.
Mrs Nesbit,this would be his first time at scrambling so i want to give something not to difficult but difficult enough to make him feel like its a real adventure.if that makes sense. So id like to take him wherever he'd get the most hands on rock experience. Mr e crowds aren't really an issue on this one,infact him seeing other children being capable of doing it may even be a help. Crib gogh is a big no no at the moment rob at the moment as I've not managed to do it yet
Siabod would be ideal then. Lots of rock outcrops and little gullies all the way up the Daear Ddu ridge that can be taken head on or avoided as you see fit. The descent down the NE Ridge is also good fun.
Edit to add: The walk in is also interesting; disused mine workings etc.
You can avoid almost all the scrambling bits on the North Ridge. One of our daughters did it when she was nine, However, it obviously depends on your son's inclinations and abilities,
I find that not dwelling on the difficulties, but just saying "It's a scramble" works for my three. If they find things awkward, I show them how I would do kit then climb behind them to reassure them. Note this only works if you child is relatively light compared to you, I wouldn't try this with my son now!
Weather permitting will be doing Moel Siabod on Fri with my 6 year old
I didn't think the heather terrace was that great, I would have thought Cwm Idwal and the Glyders would have made the other side more impressive
Enjoy which ever you choose, Cnicht is ace, very doable for littleuns and mines and stuff too. Also it looks like a proper mountain as you approach it.
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