Myself and friend attempted the climb of Crob Goch last Monday morning at about 6:30am and got a good way up the east ridge route but then seemingly couldn't find a safe(ish) line through to the east ridge - to be fair it was wet and misty so it was far from ideal conditions anyway. Does anyone have any advice on which is the best route up to the east ridge? Both of us have pretty good levels of mountain experience and want to chalk this route off. Ideally we are trying to find a plan with a route line on, to ensure we don't get beaten by it again.
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its a pick and choose route.
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 Scramble your way up there... 
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 Stay right early on and then straight up the middle from halfway I guess is the easiest. Was up there Saturday morning in the rain with a mate who'd never been on a hill, he was wearing his running shoes but seemed to manage fine with care. Quite a few people turned back who weren't sure of the way but it really is a case of just heading upwards and not veering left at the start.
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| Edited: 17/08/11 20:23 |
 There's a couple of exposed moves around the Pinnacles but they're very safe, the holds are there, just have some faith and commit to it. There is no "definitive" route because there's so many options, just pick the one you're most comfortable with.
Oh, and when in doubt - follow the polish (not the people from Poland, the polished rock!)
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A mate did it with three ten year olds and a dog, so that gives an idea of the difficulties. The dog needed no help. But it is disconcerting if you can't see where you're going. Check out Bill Murrays ascent of Liathach for an interesting account of similar things, albeit it winter, heading off into unknown crags in the clag, with big drops all around. But thoroughly good books - Undiscoverd Scotland and Mountaineering in Scotland. I think they tend to be sold as one book.
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 If you come away from the main path from pen y pass and head up it's pretty much like a pyramid and should funnel you up until you are on the ridge itself.
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 I went up a few weeks back, on my own and in very thick fog. It was hard to find a way up but I looked out for boot-marks and crampon scratches. Going along the ridge was eerie, finding a way over the pinnacles in almost zero visibility was 'interesting'.
It was probably the scariest and exhilarating walk I've done sofar. Did the Nantlle Ridge 2 days ago, walk in the park haha, well not quite coz my ankles are a bit sore (took a cross country route back through the hills which was rather steep and wet).
I would't take my young kids or dog over Crib Goch due to the huge exposure and associated dangers.
Fairbro, give it another go in good weather.
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Cheers Taz - going back as soon as possible!
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 been up 3 times this year and this is the clearest. Gives some good views of the way ahead crib goch
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| Edited: 20/08/11 22:06 |
 Follow Kelvin's advice. i.e. stay right at the start, then once the ridge has been gained, generally keep left.
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I think I know where you were stopped in your tracks. After leaving the stile from the PYG track, you follow a pretty good path until your way is blocked by what seems like an impenetrable cliff. There are paths tracking left and right. The way is straight up the middle, up a steep polished slab. You will see crampon scratches on the rocks here. The holds are good though, and once past this point, the way is obvious. There are a couple more steep steps, then the east ridge narrows as you reach the top. From here, the way is pretty obvious as well, straight along the narrow ridge, with the N Ridge dropping away to your right hand side.
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| Edited: 22/08/11 22:33 |
