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VARIANT (A): CRIB LEM (LLECH DDU SPUR)

An interesting ridge scramble in a wonderfully remote setting.

Distance/Time:

No significant savings over the main route.

Terrain:

A gentle track approach to a rocky ridge.

Main Summer Difficulties:

Occasional steep scrambling sections on the ridge.

Winter Conditions:

Not recommended.

Special Problems:

Detailed route-finding on the flank of the spur.

The ridge above Llech Ddu taken by variant (a) as seen from the main ascent ridge of Route A3. The route then circles Cwm Llafar above the cliffs of Black Ladders seen in the background

Start:

As for the normal route.

Finish:

Summit of Carnedd Dafydd.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting way to start the walk for those with some previous experience of scrambling. Technical difficulties are no greater than those encountered on Bristly Ridge; but there are the added problems of lichenous rock and loose holds. Detailed route-finding is also more difficult because the spur is climbed much less often.

Instead of breaking off right from the valley approach, continue along it as far as a group of huge boulders below the cliff of Llech Ddu (666638). The cliff bars direct entry to the spur, and so a way to avoid it must be found. In fact it can be flanked completely by ascending into the cwm to its right almost to the level of the base of the gully splitting 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 bilberry shoulder on the spur above Llech Ddu.

The spur itself, broad at first, soon narrows to give interesting scrambling over short obstacles and along grass arêtes. All too soon the crest falls back and merges into the barren summit dome.