While dwarfed in popularity by either the roadside Cromlech boulders or the popular Wavelength circuit, both higher up the pass, the circuit around Cwm Glas Bach houses some outstanding climbs including the classic Moose's Toothpaste and the more recent Corridor's of Power.
However, Cwm Glas Bach summarises the big issue from which North Wales bouldering has always suffered. Around 100 problems is no small area to explore, that much is certain but the large geographical area this covers means there are rarely more than a handful of climbs housed near each other. The problems are sprawled across the hillside - mostly with a fantastic view down the valley - with a decent enough trek to require packing up your kit properly and not simply shuttling things around. All in all, bouldering in Cwm Glas Bach can be a bit of a faff.
As such, don't expect much in the way of company at this end of the pass, which can indeed be a blessing in disguise. Bouldering at roadside may find you being gawped at by unknowing tourists or possibly blasted by passing speedy traffic. The famed Infinity Pool has added noise and litter to the Wavelength and Utopia boulders. Here in Cwm Glas Bach, we're back to how it used to be: nothing but the bleating of sheep and whistling wind to disturb your efforts.
While not everyone's cup of tea, Cwm Glas Bach has it's charms, not to mention it's classics. It's not the type of area you would explore on a first visit but is a must for those who have finished the obvious classics elsewhere and are getting a taste for adventure.
