his handy guidebook describes the best ridge walking to be found in Snowdonia

Ridge walking

The term is applied loosely throughout the guidebook. In addition to following a narrow crest, a ridge walk may also be said to follow the high ground between summits, however broad it may be.

Scrambling

Sections of some of these routes follow narrow exposed ridges involving rock scrambling where hands are used to assist the ascent. While even the most awkward of those included here should be within the capability of seasoned walkers, it is worth remembering that adverse conditions of any kind may dramatically increase their difficulty.

Ridge walking in winter

These routes - without exception - are severely affected by winter weather and its ground conditions, making great demands on winter skills and navigating ability. An ice-axe is essential (so are crampons - even if these are held in reserve); but so too is the stamina and experience to cope with what can suddenly develop into a very serious expedition. Some of the scrambling routes - Snowdon Horseshoe and Bristly Ridge among them - can be totally transformed by winter conditions, becoming potential winter climbs of some difficulty.