Tryfan
Tryfan is a mountain in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, Wales. It forms part of the Glyderau group, and is one of the most recognisable peaks in Britain, having a classic pointed shape with rugged crags. At above sea level, it is the fifteenth-highest mountain in Wales. Tryfan was voted Britain's favourite mountain by Trail magazine.
Between the mid-1980s and June 2010, its accepted height was. However, it was resurveyed using accurate GPS measurements and found to be 2.4 metres higher.
Tryfan is said to be the final resting-place of Sir Bedivere of Arthurian legend.
Naming
The name "Tryfan" is thought to derive from the intensifying particle try– and the noun ban, giving the meaning ‘very high peak’.Routes of ascent
There are many routes of ascent, ranging from easy ridge scrambling, to multi-pitch mountaineering rock climbs on the east face.A popular ascent route is its north ridge, which starts close to the A5 road, about east of Idwal Cottage or Ogwen Cottage. From here a route leads directly up the ridge, a Grade 1 scramble by the easiest line. The difficulty can be increased considerably if the most direct line is followed throughout; particularly in the upper sections of the ridge. About a third of the way up there is a distinctive rock known as "The Cannon" which points upwards at 45 degrees and is visible from the valley.
Tryfan may also be climbed by the south ridge, which links the mountain to Glyder Fach. The route begins at Bwlch Tryfan, the col between Tryfan and Bristly Ridge. The col is reached by a path leading up from Idwal Cottage to the west, passing through Cwm Bochlwyd. This cwm contains Llyn Bochlwyd.
The summit of Tryfan is famous for the twin monoliths of Siôn a Siân, a pair of rocks some three metres high and separated by. The rocks are visible from the Ogwen valley. Those who tackle the "step" between the two rocks are said to gain the "Freedom of Tryfan". However, the exposure on one side is quite great, and mountain writer Frank Showell Styles said: "In calm dry weather it is not too hard a step but the penalties of failure are unpleasant in the extreme."
Two prominent pillar-like boulders are visible on the skyline midway through the approach to the summit via the South ridge. As these can be mistaken for Siôn a Siân from a distance, they have become known as Cain and Abel, continuing the biblical theme.