Glyders Walking Weekend
A rewarding walkers weekend as we explore the Glyders mountain range on this walking weekend in Snowdonia, North Wales.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach are set in truly rugged, majestic mountain scenery that makes it a compelling walking destination. Expect great views all the way with elevated mountain views, hidden tarns, and lake views.
Your mountain guide for the weekend will guide you, whilst you take the opportunity to admire the commanding views that this walk has to offer.
The second walking day on the walking weekend includes Moel Siabod, a Snowdonia mountain which occupies a solitary position and perfect for getting off the beaten tracks of Snowdonia whilst still experiencing some stunning mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Guided walk of the Glyders, Snowdonia
- Breath-taking scenery
- Mountain lakes
- Led by an experienced mountain guide
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Accommodation for this tour is not included. For accommodation information and all essential tour information please click on the ‘Trip Notes’ tab.
Additional information
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Friday – (Optional) Welcome Evening
Friday Welcome Evening (optional) is 8.30pm in the village of Betws-y-Coed where there are several local inns. It’s a chance for everyone on the weekend to meet and the Country Adventures tour leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the planned walks. If you’re unable to make it to the Welcome Evening, the booking confirmation will detail everything you need to know about the weekend.
Saturday - Walk Day
Grade 4 walk – The Glyders via Devils Kitchen 6.5 miles (10.4km), with 2788 ft (850m) of ascent
In spite of the walk being just over 6 miles in length, this is a magnificent walk in true mountain settings that can be exhilarating and ultimately rewarding. At times you will use your hands along with your feet to navigate through the mountain ascents but the effort is truly rewarding as the views offer some of the best mountain landscapes you will ever come across.
The walk begins beside the shimmering waters of Llyn Ogwen then immediately into the Snowdonia mountains with a steady trail to Llyn Idwal, an idyllic mountain lake overlooked by the Devils Kitchen, where a mountain trail weaves its way steeply up the side of the Devils Kitchen offering some very impressive vistas and hidden waterfalls.
The traverse along the Glyders, made up of the summits of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, are in itself a walkers delight, with high viewpoints and fascinating rock formations on the summits, including the well-known Cantilever Stone on Glyder Fach.
Three quarters round the walk, we reach another well known mountain in Snowdonia, Tryfan. If there is time and the group wishes to, we may attempt the challenging ascent of Tryfan which would add a further 1 mile and approx. 800 ft of ascent to the days walk. Tryfan involves some scrambling so we would only attempt in fine weather and if anyone didn’t wish to ascend the whole of Tryfan, there are some resting places along the trail.
In the evening, an optional social evening is planned in Betws-y-Coed, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.
Sunday - Walk Day & Departure Day
Grade 3 walk – Moel Siabod 6 miles (9.6km), with 2400 ft (731m) of ascent
Details currently being updated.
The walk, and weekend, will finish in Betws-y-Coed village between 4-5pm
Essential Info
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included as part of this tour. If you require help with booking accommodation you may find the following links useful:
Booking.com search for accommodation in Betws-y-coed, Gwynedd
We recommend booking accommodation in, or near to, Betws-y-coed, or Capel Curig for easy reach to the meeting point for both the walks and social evenings.
Food & Drink
For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.
On Saturday evening, an optional social evening in Betws-y-Coed is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.
Transport
For guided walking tours that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. There is no extra charge for this, it is included in the tour price.
Fitness Levels
Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.
Walking Grades Explained
Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk. Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.
Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent. Longer walks, on hills and moorland.
Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent. Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.
Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness.
Kit List
What you need to bring with you for the walks
- Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
- Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
- Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
- A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
- Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
- Sunglasses, sun cream.
- Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
- Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
- A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
- Any medication you need.
- Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
- Walking poles (if you use them).
We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification any of the equipment requirements, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Tour Schedule & Activity Meeting Times
Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled tours, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.
Meeting Point
Please meet in Betws-y-Coed for 9.15am for the start of the walks.
Address: Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0AH
Tour Reviews
Atmospheric walk up the Glyders with Tryfan just visible through the mist as we came down. Moel Siabod & sunscreen required but that’s the British weather for you. Another great weekend with Joe, Karen & Julie.
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