Y Garn (Glyderau)

Y Garn stands on the Glyderau range in Snowdonia, North Wales. It is one of the fifteen Welsh 3000s, peaks that rise above 914.4 metres. The mountain reaches the tenth-highest point in Wales and can hold moderate snow on its western slopes from October to May. Its south-western side drops gently into the Nant Peris valley, while the north-eastern face falls away in steep cwms and ends at Llyn Idwal and Ogwen Cottage. The ridge to the north leads to Elidir Fawr, and to the south-east the ground falls to the Twll Du and Glyder Fawr. The mountain is known for its dramatic north-eastern cornice, which in 2011 gave way under three walkers. About fifty metres of snow collapsed, creating an avalanche that carried one person five hundred metres down the slope. The accident shows how quickly conditions can change on the mountain’s exposed ridges. Visitors who reach the summit find wide views across Snowdonia. The path from Ogwen Cottage climbs beside Cwm Clyd and Cwm Cywion before reaching the final ridge. On clear days Snowdon itself appears to the south-west, while the cwms below hold small lakes and rough rock walls. The contrast between the gentle south-western slopes and the steep northern gullies makes the mountain a striking place to walk.