SNOWDON RHYD DDU PATH
A quiet but dramatic trail
This is one of the quietest routes up Snowdon and yet many regular visitors say that the Rhyd Ddu path is their favourite track up the mountain. This could be because the trail provides plenty of variety together with amazing views but without few people about. This path isn’t the most challenging of the official routes up Snowdon as you gain elevation steadily throughout your journey. However, it remains a strenuous walk and one that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. You will travel 12km on the return trip and the elevation gain is just under 3,000ft. The path starts at the Station car park in the village of Rhyd Ddu. There can be spaces available here long after the other car parks for Snowdon are full, which is another good reason to choose this track. You will still need to arrive early in peak times. there are toilets in the car park and you can visit the pub in the village for refreshments on your return.
It is important to remember that the weather on and around the mountain can change very quickly. To make matters worse, the conditions at the summit can be very different to those lower down. High winds can make this route hazardous towards the summit as there are narrow ridges to negotiate. Dress in layers and wear study walking boots. If you take this hike between October and March, ensure that you allow enough time to get off the mountain before darkness falls. It is all too easy to run into trouble on Snowdon and typically, 8 people die on the mountain each year.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours from the car park to the summit and back.
Terrain: gravel tracks and rocky paths
Starting Out
Start this walk from the station car park in Rhyd Ddu. Walk left (as you face the mountain) to the end of the car park and cross the railway track. The early portion of the walk is very easy going on gravel paths with minimal elevation gain. Turn right at the first junction which is signposted for Snowdon. The track remains easy for roughly a kilometre until you reach the junction at Pen ar Lon. At Pen-y-lon, the Rhyd Ddu path branches off to the left and there is a stone marking the division of the trail. After another kilometre, you arrive at a section of the trail that has been restored with large stones following the erosion of the path. The going remains good aside from the occasional boggy area.
Things get steeper
The path now starts to get steeper and you will encounter rocky areas that are harsher under foot. You can soak in incredible views across the Nantlle Valley and Llyn Cwellyn as you climb. There are plenty of lovely spots to stop for a breather, if you need to. You are heading for the Llechog Ridge and when you arrive at that flat area, you are roughly half way to the summit. By now you should be feeling suitably smug that you chose the Rhyd Ddu path as you won’t have encountered many people (hopefully) and you will probably have found it surprising how quickly you have gained altitude without the going feeling overly tough.
The Llechog Ridge
There’s a rough, rocky area to negotiate immediately prior to the Llechog Ridge. This is quite steep but not too difficult to tackle and it’s a relatively short portion of the walk. You then emerge onto the ridge which is a broad, flat and grassy area from where there are dramatic views in all directions. You can see the summit of the mountain above you, and if you look to your right, you will notice that the path ahead of you becomes steep and exposed. Don’t worry, you can tackle the upper portion of the walk in stages with breaks in between, if you find it challenging. Before you turn right and continue the trail, walk straight ahead and peer over the edge of the plateau. There’s a very steep drop here that lends a little drama to proceedings.
Bwlch Main
After admiring the views from the Llechog Ridge, turn right, pass through the wall and continue upwards. The track becomes steep but with the summit in sight, you will be feeling confident that you can make it! Things can be very challenging on this section of the route in windy conditions but the going under foot is good. You will eventually find yourself at Bwlch Main, a narrow ridge with steep drops on either side. It’s important to watch your step here but the path climbs only gradually until you reach a grassy plateau just beneath the summit. It is the traverse of Bwlch Main that is the crowning glory of walking the Rhyd Ddu path!
Summiting Snowdon
After traversing Bwlch Main you will arrive at a grassy plateau just beneath the summit of the mountain. This is the perfect place for a picnic and there are great views of the Watkin Path below. You will be feeling that you should save the Watkin for another day! If you walk to the back of the plateau, you can look down on Llyn Llydaw and across to Moel Siabod. The Final ascent to the summit of Snowdon is short but steep. You will probably have to queue to get your picture at the trig stone. After basking in the glory of summiting, you can retrace your steps to the car park. The descent will feel easy as pie after the exertions of the walk up!
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, drive to Penygroes and then turn right at the crossroads in the high street. Turn right at the next T Junction and then right again at the next T Junction. Follow this road past Nantlle and up into the mountains. You will eventually arrive at the village of Rhyd Ddu where you should turn right towards Beddgelert. The Rhyd Ddu station car park is on the outskirts of the village and to your left.
