Join us on an unforgettable walk above the Ogwen Valley. This route offers a balance of challenge and accessibility, ideal for walkers with reasonable fitness who want a memorable way to mark the solstice. We’re a little bit biased but this route is one of our favourites: a classic ridge, big views and a sunrise that feels genuinely special and usually a lot quieter than other parts of Eryri!

The Stats

  • Distance: 5 miles or 8 km’s
  • Elevation Gain: 2500ft or 762m
  • Terrain: A short strenuous route on a lofty ridge with amazing views.
  • Weather: We can’t guarantee that!

Our Guided Ascent

We begin at Ogwen Cottage, following the quiet shoreline of Llyn Idwal. From there, we climb the NE Ridge of Y Garn, gaining around 2,000 ft on a steady, enjoyable ascent as the first hints of dawn touch the surrounding cliffs. Ascending during the Golden Hour you’ll reach the summit in time for sunrise, where we hope to watch the sun rise over one of the most distinctive mountains in Eryri, Tryfan. 

 As the sun rises casting a warm light across Pen yr Ole Wen and the Glyderau, a glance west reveals Anglesey and the coastline beginning to brighten, an excellent reward for an early start!

After the summit we descend via Cwm Idwal, with the dark cleft of the Devil’s Kitchen above it, the smooth Idwal Slabs to the east and Llyn Idwal lying in a classic glacial bowl, this descent shows off some of the most distinctive mountain scenery in Wales.

Your Safety

  • All our guides are qualified mountain leaders and members of the Mountain Training Association.
  • All our guides are Outdoor First Aid Incident Management trained and qualified.
  • All our guides are DBS checked.
  • Seven Hills Outdoors and its freelance guides carry professional liability insurance.
  • Seven Hills Outdoors undertakes route risk assessments, route planning and plans for relevant contingencies.
  • Seven Hills Outdoors undertakes a Dynamic Hill & Mountain Risk assessment prior to and during the booking.
  • Prior to your guided day you will receive detailed joining instructions with a kit list.
  • Leaders will carry appropriate first aid and emergency equipment including: first aid kit, shelters. emergency means of communication.

Other Information

We will provide you with a detailed equipment list when you sign up for this event but you will need to bring the following:

Personal equipment including waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves, warm layers (you may be sat waiting for the sunrise and it can be much colder on the summit than in the Ogwen Valley), torch and spare batteries, food and water.