Exploring the Thrills of Scrambling in North Wales
Embark on an exhilarating Grade 3+ scramble amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of scrambling in North Wales, where Wrinkled Tower awaits daring adventurers. Offering breath-taking views and a thrilling challenge, this route ensures an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of scrambling North Wales. Discover more about mountaineering and scrambling North Wales on our Mountaineering and Scrambling in North Wales page.
The West Face of Tryfan
To begin your journey of scrambling in North Wales, set out from the roadside parking at the base of Tryfan’s North Ridge. Following a path alongside a drystone wall and crossing a stile, the route leads upwards, skirting the Milestone Buttress and ascending a runnel beneath the west face.
Setting off on Wrinkled Tower
The scramble begins by ascending slabs towards a ledge below stacked blocks. From there, manoeuvre through an easy-angled corner to reach a spacious ledge beneath a large pyramidal pinnacle. As the scramble continues, navigate a 4m high flake, leading to exposed climbing on good holds towards a rib on the left. Progressing through a narrow gully, more blocks are encountered before easy scrambling leads to a col below and left of the ‘Faulty Tower’.
The Faulty Tower
The truly exciting climbing begins here. Traverse right below the ‘Faulty Tower’ to the chimney. A good thrutch up the chimney leads to a bay. From here, move out left onto a what the guidebook describes as an ‘exposed, polished, and sloping gangway’. The exposure is high at this point! Make a ‘mind-bending reach left’ for a flake jug on the arete. This flake can be slung to calm the nerves. The next move seems daunting as the feet seem to have disappeared but keep the faith—haul on the flake to make an implausible reach up to a glorious jug. Then, use any required tactics to ascend onto the slab—whether it’s a knee (or two!), rolling, or even a seal-launch, everything is fair game!
Wrinkled Tower’s Diverse Destinations
The slab leads to a block belay beneath another tower. Gain the crest via some big, polished moves in a corner. Easy scrambling then leads to yet another slab split by a crack that could easily swallow a boot. Further easy scrambling up a broken ridge eventually leads to a broken heathery hillside. Follow this until the North Ridge of Tryfan is reached. From here, carry on up the North Ridge of Tryfan (Grade 1) or opt for the more challenging Notch Arete (Grade 3). Alternatively, if you’ve reached your limit, descend via the North Ridge of Tryfan.
Wrinkled Tower’s Cautionary Notes
Wrinkled Tower offers a rewarding experience with stunning views and a sense of achievement. However, caution is advised, particularly in adverse weather conditions. High exposure and polished surfaces can pose additional challenges, making it advisable to tackle this scramble in favourable conditions for optimal safety and enjoyment. Wrinkled Tower epitomises the beauty and adventure of scrambling in North Wales, leaving an enduring impression on climbers. Whether you’re seeking a challenge or an unforgettable adventure, Wrinkled Tower awaits, ready to test your limits and spark your sense of adventure.
Scrambling and Mountaineering
We deliver bespoke courses to suit your individual needs and aspirations. Our Scrambling and Mountaineering courses are designed to be adventurous, informative and fun whilst giving you the opportunity to develop and advance your mountaineering skills… For more information please get in touch to arrange a tailor-made course.
