How does an ascent of CG's North ridge compare with one of it's more popular East ridge?
I have ascended via the East ridge twice yet never via the North, which will almost certainly be necessary if I am to fulfill my plan to complete the Welsh 3000's Southward route.
The North Ridge is listed as a grade 1 scramble, as is the East, yet the ascent appears to be quite steeper.
Any advice on not only the ascent of the ridge, but also the approach from Nant Peris(?) would be much appreciated.
About the same difficulty as the east ridge. Although, I thought it felt more intimidating at a couple of points, but that could be because there isn't all the crowds you find on the east ridge.
The approach is a bit of a ball ache. There is a climbers path up to Dinas Mot, you then head to the left of the cliffs up miserable scree and boulders. You should then be able to see the north ridge to the right of you, simply a case of going up.
Funny, I've done the north ridge a couple of times and reckon the final ridge itself is a fair bit easier than the east ridge. All that really goes to show is that perceptions can differ between folk, and even between days perhaps.
I agree with Rocky that the approach is a bit convoluted though. You can also go up Cwm Glas Mawr to Llyn Glas and then traverse across.
Just along from Nant Peris theres a path that goes up through Cwn Glas Bach and Cwm Hetiau to reach the ridge near Clogwyn Station. It's often used as a descent by South to North 3,000ers. But you could consider going up that way and doing Snowdon, then Crib Y Ddysgl and finishing on Crib Goch. Of course you've then got to either retrace your steps or else descend via the east (or north!) ridge.
The Clayton & Turnbull Welsh 3000's book which I am using for research recommends a North ridge ascent via Cwm Glas Mawr. I intend to use this route on the walk in June. All going well, I'll be making a reconnaissance visit a month or two before, in order to try out sections with which I am not familiar, including this one.
Who knows? If time is on our side, we may well walk from Nant Peris to Pen-y-pass and ascend by the East ridge, anyway. Hmmm...
The North Ridge is definitely more exposed than anything on Crib Goch itself. There is one notch in the ridge in particular that can be a bit nervy. In any case it's definitely a good way of avoiding the crowds on the way up.
You know, the images I have seen certainly make the North ridge look more exposed. I'm aware of the notch to which you refer, it's easily visible in pictures of the ridge.
