Garnedd Ugain – Wales’ Second-Highest Peak

Wales’ Second-Highest Summit

Garnedd Ugain, often referred to as Crib-y-Ddysgl, stands at 1,065 meters and is officially the second-highest peak in Wales. It forms the summit of the Crib-y-Ddysgl ridge, a striking pyramidal mountain that is an integral part of the Snowdon Massif in Snowdonia National Park. Located just under a kilometre north of Snowdon’s summit, Garnedd Ugain is a major landmark in the region and a key objective for many hillwalkers tackling the Snowdon Horseshoe. Its prominence and position make it a natural extension of any ascent of Snowdon, offering a more remote and rugged experience than the main summit.

Part of the Snowdon Horseshoe

Garnedd Ugain is a central feature of the classic Snowdon Horseshoe, a challenging and scenic ridge walk that links Snowdon, Crib Goch, and the Crib-y-Ddysgl ridge. From the col at Bwlch Glas, the path climbs steeply to the summit, while the connection to Crib Goch via Bwlch Coch adds an exhilarating, exposed section for experienced walkers. The ridge to the northeast, Clogwyn y Person, is a steep arête that drops into Cwm Glas, adding to the mountain’s dramatic profile. This horseshoe route is one of the most celebrated ridge walks in the UK, combining altitude, exposure, and breathtaking views in a single day.

Alpine–Arctic Environment

The slopes of Garnedd Ugain are shaped by altitude and exposure, supporting a hardy alpine–arctic flora. Heather, bilberry, and a variety of mosses and lichens cling to the rocky terrain, adapted to survive harsh winds, frequent rain, and winter snow. The cliffs and crags provide nesting sites for birds of prey, including peregrine falcons and ravens, while choughs can often be seen wheeling above the ridges. Small mammals such as voles and shrews inhabit the lower slopes, and in summer the area comes alive with insects, including butterflies like the small heath. This upland ecosystem is fragile, and visitors are encouraged to stay on paths and avoid disturbing the vegetation.

History and Name

Both Garnedd Ugain and Crib-y-Ddysgl appear on Ordnance Survey maps, with Crib-y-Ddysgl referring to the east ridge and Garnedd Ugain to the summit itself. The name Crib-y-Ddysgl translates as “ridge of the dish” in Welsh, while Garnedd Ugain means “Cairn of the Twenty,” possibly referencing a Roman legion based in nearby Caernarfon. The mountain has long been a destination for climbers and walkers, and its trig pillar marks the precise summit height. Its position within the Snowdon Massif ties it closely to the cultural and mountaineering history of Snowdonia, a landscape that has inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitor Experience

Reaching Garnedd Ugain is a serious undertaking that demands good fitness, navigation skills, and appropriate clothing and equipment. The mountain is typically accessed as part of a longer ridge walk from Pen y Pass or Llanberis, rather than as a standalone destination. The views from the summit are extensive, taking in much of Snowdonia, the Irish Sea, and the surrounding peaks. Weather can change rapidly, and conditions can be treacherous in mist, rain, or snow, so careful planning is essential. For experienced walkers, Garnedd Ugain offers a rewarding and memorable mountain experience in one of the UK’s most iconic upland landscapes.