Ogwen Valley Gorge

The scrambles in Ogwen Valley Gorges are mainly rock climbs, but the one suitable for walkers is the Cwm Cywion Gorge.

Cwm Cywion Gorge

The Cwm Cywion Gorge is another neglected and unknown gorge in north Snowdonia.

It flows down from Cwm Cywion (below Y Garn and Foel Goch) and starts from the old A5, making it a good choice for a summer evening. The rock is lichenous in places and some is loose so do take care. As with all streams, it is best ascended after a dry spell. From Ogwen Cottage walk down the old A5 towards Bethesda. Shortly after passing the Yr Hafod hut you reach a bridge over a stream. This is the scramble. Enter the stream to be confronted by a waterfall.

The left runnel may be possible but is slimy, so if in doubt ignore this by a little grassy gully to the left. Re-enter the stream and carry on up, scrambling at will. All obstacles can be easily avoided on the banks. Eventually you reach an old wire fence. Step over this and keep going. After some scrambling on the left side on clean rock you reach an intimidating wide waterfall. This can be avoided. The best route of ascent is up its far left side, but you will get wet, and some rock here is loose.

Above this you soon reach the old bridge which now lies in the channel. Beyond this the stream turns right. The steep left wall offers a short traverse before you climb an easy wet runnel. Further up again you come to another large fall. This is probably the crux. If in doubt avoid this (especially if there is a lot of water flowing). If you climb it it the best route is up the right hand side but be prepared to get wet. Above this you soon meet another big waterfall. Forget it!

This one has to be avoided. Leave the stream and walk round above the fall to meet a dry stone wall that contours the slopes. Enter the bed again where the stream flows through a sizeable gorge. Either walk up this section or traverse a ledge on the right side. After this gorge the stream narrows but continues to give good scrambling up little waterfalls.

The channel then opens out as you enter Cwm Cywion. From here either follow the stream back to the road, or an ascent of Foel Goch could be contemplated.