UKH

I'm  from South Wales and i've taken my 10 year old on a few days out in the beacons and black mountains and want to get him scrambling (he can climb a bit). I've solo'd Tryfan, snowdon horseshoe, glyders and a few others I can't remember. They all seem a bit sustained to be ideal (just yet). Cadair idris is the obvious choice but am I overlooking something less well known? Any thoughts gratefully received. J

What about the Ddaear Ddu Ridge on Moel Siabod?

Will look at it, cheers

Yes, good suggestion. I also thought the Nantlle Ridge was mellow and quieter than some of the routes the OP mentioned but maybe I was just lucky!

Daear Ddu and the Nantlle Ridge are two great suggestions. Here's more detail on both:

https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=119

https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=386

Another good one would be the southern Carneddau, where there's some light scrambling once in a while, but nothing Tryfan-like:

https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=137

Cnicht is a nice one - easy scramble which can be avoided and a lovely day out away from the crowds on Tryfan and Snowdon

If you want something a bit more exciting than Ddaear Ddu Ridge (Moel Siabod is currenlty very boggy!!) and the Nantlle Ridge, you could try Senior's Gully followed by Y Gribin. Devil's Kitchen descent or take the Miner's Path into Cwm Tryfan and head up the South Ridge, down the Western Gully path.

P.S. they're not technically harder but the situations are great and the 2 routes are contrasting in style. I've always thought Ddaear Ddu to be a bit of a damp squib... ?

Wouldn't Seniors' Gully then Seniors' Ridge by a more logical combination?

Logical yes but considering the OP's question, I would agree with seniors gully and then Y Gribbin.

More to keep a10 year old interested and enough scope to bail out grace fully. 

False gribbin would be good as well.

Fair enough. I have a soft spot for Seniors' Ridge - lovely situation above Cwm Idwal. As for False Gribin, I never understand why more people don't use it as an approach to Y Gribin. It has good, avoidable scrambling and saves a lot of walked height ascent.

(and as an aside the random dislike on your post didn't come from me).