The finest scramble in the Carneddau reckons OUTDOORSmagic routes editor Dave Mycroft of this classic grade one ridge on the north side of Carnedd Daffydd.
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Crib Lem, Carneddau -
Snowdonia
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Grade: 1
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In an area dominated by Snowdon and
The Glyders Crib Lem, or the Llech Ddu Spur, stands out as a
classic scramble and without a doubt the finest scramble in
the Carneddau.
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Equipment: Most will be happy without rope or protection, but use common sense and consider it if you have inexperienced scramblers in your party.
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Online Map link
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Views: 3
Technicality: 1
Exposure: 1
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GIBBER FACTOR*
*out of
five.
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Overview In an area dominated by Snowdon and The Glyders Crib
Lem, or the Llech Ddu Spur, stands out as a classic scramble and
without a doubt the finest scramble in the Carneddau. Despite its
altitude and position, facing north, the rock is well drained and
grippy throughout. The bonus is an ending that puts you right at the
summit of one of the Welsh 3000ers, Carnedd Dafydd.
Approach Turn off the A5 at Braichmelyn as you enter Bethesda
fro the Ogwen Valley, and take a right at the crossroads. Park
appropriately on the lane, and continue on foot down this lane to the
waterworks.
At the waterworks gate take the stile on the right and continue to
a further stile at the far end of the field. Another stile ahead
gives access to a well trodden track followed by open moorland.
Now follow the left bank of the Afon Llafar passing the old weir
on your left and Mynydd Du on your right to enter the confines of
Cwmglas Bach. The start of Crib Lem lies to the right of Llech Ddu
adjacent to a large gulley that splits Craig y Cwmglas Bach.
Route - Start up a grass and stone covered ramp rather than
trying to join the crest of the spur initially. A diagonal line leads
up to an obvious large shoulder covered in bilberry
Follow this line to the shoulder, overlooking Llech Ddu, then
continue upwards on the right hand side of the spur. The steps are
generally large and solid and consistently low angled.
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On the route itself - pic
courtesy of Adrian Fagg - more
here
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A series of grass and rock sections leads to the upper section of the
spur, where the angle decreases, before traversing a short series of
knife edge ridges. A final series of short steps leads directly to
the summit dome of Carnedd Dafydd.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and, particularly
at the higher grades, requires technical skills and equipment to
minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional instruction
or climb with an experienced partner.
