Dinas Cromlech

An iconic crag in the Llanberis Pass, Dinas Cromlech is a compact rhyolite buttress perched on the northern side of the pass in Snowdonia, North Wales, home to some of the most famous traditional routes in Britain and a byword for the sport's landmark moments.

The rock is rhyolite, and the climbing is traditional multi-pitch on steep walls and the crag's celebrated open corner, protected by placed gear. Dinas Cromlech is climbing history in miniature, its lines the scene of breakthrough ascents that pushed British standards through successive eras, and grades run from classic mid-grade routes to hard, technical Extremes. The distinctive right-angled corner and its flanking walls concentrate an extraordinary density of quality climbing into a small, steep crag.

The setting is dramatic and convenient: the buttress sits high above the road through the Llanberis Pass, with the mountains of Snowdonia all around and a steep but short walk-in up the hillside from the parking below. The elevated position gives fine views and reasonable drying in the wind, though the mountain weather here is famously fickle and can close in fast.

Spring through autumn is the season, when the rock dries between the frequent Welsh showers and conditions are cool; a dry, breezy spell is ideal. Llanberis and the pass offer lodging, camping, cafes and gear shops. For trad climbers, Dinas Cromlech packs more legendary routes into a small crag than almost anywhere in Wales, and its famous corner remains a coveted tick.