Why this matters

Tryfan is a prominent peak in the Glyderau range of the Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with a height of approximately 911 metres (3,000 feet). It is known for its distinctive rocky summit and is a popular destination for climbers and hikers due to its challenging scrambles and scenic views. The mountain is part of the Welsh upland landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial erosion.

Overview

Tryfan is one of Wales's most distinctive mountains, a steep rock peak whose summit has drawn climbers, stories and careful measurement. Its twin summit stones are known as Siôn a Siân or Adam and Eve, while an old tale connects the mountain with Arthur's knight Bedivere. Early recorded climbs and a modern survey have added to its place in Welsh mountain history.

How it formed

Tryfan's hard volcanic rocks were shaped by ice and weather into a sharp, rocky form with three ridges and a summit that rises abruptly above the Ogwen Valley.

People and events

G. Barlow and H. Priestly-Smith made the first recorded climb of Milestone Buttress Direct Route in 1910, helping establish Tryfan as a major place for British rock climbing.

Local stories

Tradition says Sir Bedivere, the last surviving knight at Arthur's final battle, was laid to rest on Tryfan, while leaping between the summit stones is said to win the Freedom of Tryfan.

What can be seen

The pointed summit, rough stone ridges and the two upright rocks called Siôn a Siân remain the mountain's clearest marks, with scrambling routes approaching from several sides.

Why it mattered

Tryfan mattered because its unusual shape joined Welsh legend with the growth of modern climbing, and a 2010 survey even found that the summit stood 2.4 metres higher than earlier maps had shown.

History checked 16 August 2026 against the named sources below.

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