Scrambles in Snowdonia. Rachel Crolla

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      Approach

      Turn uphill off the A5 at the crossroads at the eastern extremity of Bethesda on Braichmelyn Road. Turn right at the crossroads in 1km to Gerlan. There are a few parking spots on the narrow lane, or alternatively park further down the hill. Continue through Gerlan, following the main right-hand fork of the lane and crossing a bridge over the Afon Llafar.

      Just before the old waterworks gate follow the footpath sign initially up a private road, and cross a stile on the right. Cross a second stile at the top left corner of the field, and a third shortly after. Follow the track to open ground. Take the path, vague at first, that ascends parallel to the Afon Llafar to enter Cwm Llafar. Continue by a good path to huge boulders below the crag of Llech Ddu (SH 666 637). Ascend to the right of the crag to enter the hollow of Cwmglas Bach.

      Ascent

      Resist gaining the crest of the spur directly and instead ascend into the cwm almost to the level of the deep-cut left-hand gully that splits Craig y Cwmglas Bach, at which point a ramp of grass and stones slanting diagonally left between bands of rock will be revealed. This leads without complication to a shoulder with a large block of quartz on it on the spur above Llech Ddu Crag.

      Ascend through seemingly compact rock on the right side of the broad frontage to gain the narrower and less steeply inclined upper crest. Avoiding the many paths, follow the crest and its myriad crampon scars directly over several knife-edges and short steps to the stony summit dome.

      Soaring high on the crest of the Llech Ddu Spur

      Descent by this route

      A reasonable proposition once located. When peering down from the convex summit slopes, several similar-looking spurs can be seen protruding into the cwm. Crib Lem protrudes furthest. A band of scree across the broad lower spur signals the approach of Llech Ddu Crag (beware!) and the need to bear left (looking out) to find the grassy ramp at the distinct lump of quartz leading into Cwmglas Bach. Many have chosen a descent to the right (looking out) down soil and scree – ideal if approaching the Eastern Ridge of Black Ladders (Route 6).

      Descents and combinations

      To return to Bethesda/Gerlan:

       Best of all, complete the Cwm Llafar horseshoe: follow the ridge east over Black Ladders and round to Carnedd Llewelyn, then head west to Yr Elen. From its summit head north west past the outcrop of Foel Gannol, and at a second outcrop bear west over steady slopes to regain the outward route at the river.

       Descend north west from the summit of Carnedd Dafydd along the delightful Cwm Llafar Ridge over Mynydd Du, joining the approach path at the entrance to the cwm.

       To return to the foot of the cliffs, follow Route 1 east until well beyond the Eastern Ridge of Black Ladders (Route 6) and then descend grass and boulder slopes into the head of Cwm Llafar.

      Scrambling down the diamond-shaped block on the Llech Ddu Spur

ROUTE 6

      Eastern Ridge of Black Ladders 2

      A distinctive outing up shadowy cliffs on the huge headwall of a remote cwm.

Location	Cwm Llafar, Carneddau (SH 673 633)
Grade	2*
Approach time	1hr 15min
Altitude and aspect	800m, north west
Route length	One of the shorter routes, but lengthier than might be expected while approaching it. Height gain approximately 150m.
Conditions	North-facing at high altitude so often wet. The rock is rough and positive, although it is rarely ascended so watch for occasional loose rock. It is worth waiting for dry conditions.
Topo	See Route 5

      The upper basin of Cwm Llafar terminates in the crescent walls of the Black Ladders. Upper ridge crests glow attractively in the afternoon sun while shady lower СКАЧАТЬ