A little lane leads to a zigzag path up Cwm Dudodyn with its rather lovely stream. This welcome bit of gentle gradient helps to accustom one to walking uphill again. Soon we reach a bridge over Afon Dudodyn and cross over. Here is a good place for a short rest, a bite to eat and a good drink of stream water. Here we often change into shorts as the morning chill is over and we are about to embark on the longest sustained uphill climb of the day. Although only the first part is really steep, the rather monotonous and unrelenting nature of the going can be unexpectedly dispiriting.

The summit, once reached at last, provides a wonderfully extensive view, too extensive in fact for some people's peace of mind! Together with much of the Glyder range, one can, for the first time, behold the full length of the Carneddau and get a clearer picture of the distance still to be travelled. Of those who fail to complete the three-thousanders walk, probably the majority give up on Elidir Fawr, some because the long pull up has drained their strength while others fall victim to seeds of doubt engendered by the view.
If we find ourselves feeling a bit unsure of our abilities, we remind ourselves that we can easily go down to our starting point from either Glyder, by which time we will have had a grand walk anyway. One can continue gently, taking each summit as it comes, determined to enjoy doing what one can. We have another short rest, drink from the bottle and eat a sandwich before carrying on. A spell of down-hill followed by some fairly flat going does much to revive us and, should we find the short steep bits on the way to the summit of Y Garn a bit of a drag, it helps to remember that we have already passed the halfway stage in uphill terms.
A welcome long stretch of gentle descent to the head of the Devil's Kitchen, where drinkable water can be found if necessary, helps us feel optimistic again and the rough ascent of Glyder Fawr goes more easily than expected.
We usually stop again near Castell-y-Gwynt for a few more eats before continuing on over Glyder Fach and down the steep and awkward Bristly gully. As we descend, Tryfan looks as though it will be a struggle. However, this usually proves not to be the case as a bit of scrambling adds interest and relieves monotony. The summit of Tryfan marks decision time. It is still easy to reach our vehicle from here should we want to give up but happily, we have always felt confident enough to continue.

Back from the Castell-y-Gwynt to Glyder Fawr, with mist on the north of the ridge.

By now, usually about 1.30pm, ones innards are thoroughly confused and start sending up messages like 'that was a good walk but now what is for supper?' Visions of a nice big hot meal come to mind. However, we find that a good way to keep the system fit for more effort is to return to breakfast-type fodder. Having descended to the foot of the mountain, we retrieve our provisions from under their rock and tuck into a generous helping of shreddies and milk. One is losing appetite for bread but the odd sandwich may still go down all right, especially if it is made with marmalade or jam rather than the cheese and tomato we have been eating so far. Flapjack is splendid energy food but rather dry, so best eaten now while we have plenty of fluid available. Now is the time to drink as much water as possible since the whole Carnedd range is dry.
The rucksack is restocked with easy-to eat food such as cake, fruit pies, currant bread and various chocolate snacks. We take apples to help counter any thirst later on and two small cardboard cartons of fruit juice together with our replenished pint water bottle.