If you have already crossed Striding Edge on Helvellyn, you may be wondering whether you are ready to tackle Crib Goch on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The short answer is that most people find Crib Goch harder than Striding Edge.
Both are classified as Grade 1 scrambles, but that classification only describes their technical scrambling difficulty. It doesn’t fully reflect how exposed, intimidating or committing a route can feel.
Crib Goch has longer sections of unavoidable scrambling, considerably greater exposure and fewer straightforward escape options. Striding Edge, while still a serious mountain route, generally gives walkers more opportunities to avoid the crest or retreat if they become uncomfortable.
That does not mean everyone who has completed Striding Edge will find Crib Goch terrifying. Plenty of confident scramblers enjoy both. However, successfully crossing Striding Edge should not automatically be treated as proof that you are ready for Crib Goch.
Crib Goch vs Striding Edge at a glance
| Crib Goch | Striding Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain | Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Eryri | Helvellyn, Lake District |
| Height of summit | 1,085 metres | 950 metres |
| Scrambling grade | Grade 1 | Grade 1 |
| Exposure | Very high and sustained | High, but generally less sustained |
| Escape options | Very limited once committed | More opportunities to avoid or leave the crest |
| Technical scrambling | Straightforward for experienced scramblers, but unavoidable in places | Generally straightforward, with an optional lower path along parts of the ridge |
| Best attempted in | Dry, calm and clear conditions | Dry, calm and clear conditions |
| Suitable as a first scramble? | Usually not | Often used as an introduction to exposed ridge walking |
| Overall comparison | More exposed and committing | Usually the easier first step |
Is Crib Goch technically difficult?
Crib Goch is a Grade 1 scramble, which is the lowest scrambling grade in the UK. This can be misleading.
A Grade 1 classification does not mean that a route is safe, easy or suitable for every hillwalker. It means that the individual climbing moves are relatively straightforward for someone accustomed to moving over steep, rocky ground.
The hardest part of Crib Goch is not usually the complexity of the moves. It is performing them while surrounded by extreme exposure.
The route includes a steep scramble onto the ridge, the famous knife-edge crest and a series of rocky pinnacles. You will need to use your hands, choose secure footholds and remain calm while moving above very steep drops.
Someone with climbing or scrambling experience may find the physical movements relatively simple. Someone who has never experienced serious exposure may find exactly the same section overwhelming.
Is Striding Edge technically difficult?
Striding Edge is also classified as a Grade 1 scramble, but much of the ridge can feel more like exposed mountain walking.
There are sections where you may use your hands, particularly around the rocky step towards the end of the ridge. However, walkers can avoid parts of the crest using a path slightly below it.
This makes Striding Edge more adaptable. Confident walkers can remain on the crest for a more exciting experience, while less confident walkers can use the lower path in places.
There is no guarantee that Striding Edge will feel easy. In poor visibility, high winds, rain, snow or ice, it can become a serious mountain challenge. Falls from either side of the ridge can have severe consequences.
In suitable summer conditions, however, it is generally considered a more forgiving introduction to exposed ridge walking than Crib Goch.
Why does Crib Goch feel harder?
The exposure is greater
Crib Goch is famous for its narrow, knife-edge ridge with steep drops on both sides. Some people cross close to the crest, while others move slightly to its left using the top of the ridge as a handhold.
Either way, the exposure is difficult to ignore.
On Striding Edge, it is often possible to move below the crest and reduce the sensation of being surrounded by open space. Crib Goch gives you far fewer opportunities to do this.
The exposure lasts longer
A short exposed step can feel manageable because you know it will soon be over. Crib Goch is different: the scrambling and exposure continue across the ridge and through the pinnacles beyond it.
Even after crossing the famous knife-edge section, the challenge is not necessarily finished. The continuation towards Garnedd Ugain includes further scrambling that should not be underestimated.
There are very limited escape options
On Striding Edge, there are places where you can leave the crest or use a less exposed line.
Crib Goch is much more committing. Once you have completed the initial scramble and reached the main ridge, there is no simple walking path that allows you to avoid the exposed section.
Trying to descend steep ground from the ridge can be considerably more dangerous than continuing along the established route. This is why it is important to make an honest decision about your experience, confidence and the weather before becoming committed.
The weather has a greater effect
Rain can make the rock slippery. Cloud can hide the route and remove visual reference points. Strong wind can affect your balance precisely where a loss of balance could be catastrophic.
Crib Goch should be saved for a dry, settled day with good visibility and light winds. Conditions at Pen-y-Pass or in Llanberis do not necessarily reflect conditions on the ridge, so you should always consult a dedicated mountain forecast.
Winter transforms Crib Goch into a serious mountaineering route requiring appropriate equipment, skills and experience. A summer crossing does not qualify someone to attempt it in snow or ice.
Will I be ready for Crib Goch after completing Striding Edge?
Completing Striding Edge comfortably is a useful sign, but it is not the only factor to consider.
Ask yourself:
- Did I enjoy being on the crest, or did I avoid it whenever possible?
- Was I comfortable looking down the steep sides?
- Could I move confidently without freezing or rushing?
- Did I remain calm when other people were close behind me?
- Have I completed any other Grade 1 scrambles?
- Can I choose secure handholds and footholds on steep rock?
- Would I still feel confident if there were no easier path beneath the ridge?
If you crossed Striding Edge using the crest, remained comfortable with the exposure and enjoyed the scrambling, Crib Goch may be a sensible next objective in good conditions.
If you found Striding Edge frightening, relied heavily on its lower path or simply felt relieved when it was over, it would be sensible to gain more scrambling experience before attempting Crib Goch.
There is no embarrassment in deciding that a route is not right for you. Enjoyment matters, and not everyone enjoys extreme exposure.
Is Crib Goch suitable for beginners?
Crib Goch is not usually the best choice for someone’s first experience of scrambling.
Its Grade 1 classification can attract walkers who assume it is only slightly more difficult than an ordinary mountain path. In reality, it is an exposed scrambling route where a slip could have fatal consequences.
Before attempting Crib Goch independently, you should ideally have experience of:
- Walking confidently over steep and broken mountain terrain
- Using your hands and feet together while scrambling
- Coping with significant exposure
- Reading a mountain weather forecast
- Navigating in the mountains
- Making safe decisions when conditions change
- Turning back before becoming committed to a route
An easier scramble, a professionally led scrambling course or a guided crossing can help you discover how you respond to exposure without having to make every decision alone.
Our Intro to Scrambling course is designed to help hillwalkers develop these skills on carefully chosen terrain before progressing to bigger objectives.
Do I need a guide for Crib Goch?
There is no requirement to hire a guide, but it can be a very sensible choice if you are uncertain about your experience, route-finding ability or reaction to exposure.
A qualified and experienced guide can:
- Assess the conditions and decide whether the ridge is appropriate
- Choose the safest and most suitable line
- Demonstrate efficient scrambling movement
- Help you manage exposed sections calmly
- Adjust the pace to suit the group
- Recognise when somebody is becoming tired or overwhelmed
- Make alternative plans if the weather is unsuitable
A guide cannot remove the exposure or guarantee that you will enjoy it. They can, however, help you approach the route with better preparation, sound judgement and practical support.
MountainXperience offers guided Crib Goch adventures with small groups led by qualified, experienced local mountain guides.
What should I do if I freeze on an exposed ridge?
Fear of heights can affect people unexpectedly. Someone may feel confident while planning a route and then become unable to move once confronted by the real exposure.
If you begin to panic:
- Stop somewhere as secure as possible.
- Keep your body low and maintain stable contact with the rock.
- Concentrate on the next single movement rather than the whole ridge.
- Breathe slowly and avoid rushing.
- Allow faster or more confident people to pass only where it is safe.
- Do not attempt to escape down unfamiliar steep ground.
If you become completely unable to move safely, or someone is injured, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
What equipment do I need for Crib Goch?
For a summer crossing in suitable conditions, you should carry:
- Walking boots, approach shoes or trail shoes with a secure, grippy sole
- Comfortable mountain clothing that allows unrestricted movement
- A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Warm spare layers
- Hat and gloves
- Food and plenty of water
- Map and compass
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Head torch
- Small first-aid kit
- Emergency shelter or survival bag
Avoid attaching loose items to the outside of your rucksack. Keep your bag reasonably light and ensure that it fits securely so it does not move around while you are scrambling.
A helmet is sometimes worn on scrambling routes, particularly when there is a risk of loose rock or people moving above. Whether a rope is appropriate depends on the group, conditions and the competence of the person using it. Carrying technical equipment is not a substitute for knowing how and when to use it.
Which ridge should I attempt first?
For most hillwalkers, Striding Edge should come before Crib Goch.
It provides an opportunity to experience exposure and easy scrambling while retaining more flexibility about how closely you follow the crest. If you enjoy Striding Edge and remain confident throughout, you can build further experience on other easy scrambles before progressing to Crib Goch.
A sensible progression might include:
- Confident mountain walking over steep and rocky terrain
- An introductory Grade 1 scramble
- Striding Edge in good summer conditions
- Further scrambling practice or an Intro to Scrambling course
- Crib Goch in dry, calm and clear conditions
Progression does not have to be a race. The more comfortable and competent you become on easier terrain, the more likely you are to enjoy Crib Goch when the time comes.
Crib Goch vs Striding Edge: the verdict
Crib Goch and Striding Edge may share the same scrambling grade, but they are not equal experiences.
Crib Goch is generally harder because it is more exposed, more sustained and more committing. Its scrambling moves are not exceptionally technical, but they must be completed in places where a slip could have extremely serious consequences.
Striding Edge is still an exposed mountain ridge and deserves respect, particularly in bad weather. However, it usually offers a more suitable introduction for walkers building towards Crib Goch.
If you have enjoyed Striding Edge, developed some scrambling skills and know that you are comfortable with significant exposure, Crib Goch could be your next unforgettable mountain adventure.
If you would prefer to tackle it with experienced support, join MountainXperience on a guided Crib Goch climb. You will explore one of Britain’s most spectacular ridges in a small group led by a qualified local mountain guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crib Goch harder than Striding Edge?
Yes. Most people find Crib Goch harder because it has greater and more sustained exposure, more unavoidable scrambling and fewer straightforward escape options. Both routes are Grade 1 scrambles.
Is Crib Goch suitable after Striding Edge?
Possibly. If you completed Striding Edge using the crest, enjoyed the exposure and moved confidently, Crib Goch may be an appropriate next objective. If you avoided the crest or found the experience frightening, gain more scrambling experience first.
Can a beginner do Crib Goch?
Crib Goch is not recommended as a first scramble. Beginners should build experience on easier scrambling terrain or join a professionally guided crossing.
Can you avoid the exposed part of Crib Goch?
No. Unlike Striding Edge, Crib Goch does not have a straightforward lower path that bypasses its main exposed ridge. Once committed to the ridge, escape options are extremely limited.
Is Crib Goch dangerous?
Crib Goch has serious exposure and a fall could be fatal. The risk increases substantially in wind, rain, poor visibility, snow or ice. Appropriate experience, careful planning and suitable conditions are essential.
Is Crib Goch safe without a rope?
Experienced scramblers commonly complete Crib Goch without a rope in good summer conditions. A rope may be used by appropriately trained leaders to protect particular group members, but it can create additional hazards if used incorrectly.
How long does Crib Goch take?
A complete journey from Pen-y-Pass over Crib Goch and Garnedd Ugain to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, followed by a descent, is normally treated as a full mountain day. The exact time depends on fitness, group size, confidence, weather and congestion on the ridge.
