Crib Lem Spur ^{Grade 1***}

This route, high above Cwm Llafer, is probably the best scramble in the Carneddau.

A great line; realatively simple scrambling but with enough exposure to make you think. Although not unpopular, the long walk in probably deters people.

Begin in Bethesda and go up the road through Gerlan to gain open country using a stile by the waterworks. Head into Cwm Llafer, the path becoming better and more defined with distance.

The scenery improves as you continue, with the impressive Black Ladders looming at the valley end. After maybe an hour the path meets boggy ground below Cwmglas Bach. The large crag of Llech Ddu looms off to the right.

The scramble ascends a ridge above this but a devious approach is needed to get to the start. Climb steeply into Cwmglas Bach using a vague path to the left of a stream/waterfall. Next, find a pathmarked ramp of grass and rock which traverses left to arrive on a shoulder above Llech Ddu (beware of the steep drop). The route begins here and takes about half an hour.

It climbs the ridge that rises up to the summit. The first section is the steeper part but has a choice of line. As height is gained the exposure increases as the route narrows. Some steps can be avoided but the best bet is to stick to the crest. Above a final (avoidable) steep step the rock runs out. Here just walk up the stony mountainside to the summit.

The quickest descent is down the NW ridge to regain the approach path (careful navigation when leaving the summit). Photo credit Simon Oakley.