logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy from Cwm Nantcol

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Rhinogs

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km    Ascent - 560 feet / 170 metres

Time - 2 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL18Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL18Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 124Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 124Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy
Click image to visit gallery of 4 images.

The Rhinog Mountains in Snowdonia (Eryri) have a reputation for being rugged and rocky and this may be the reason why they see few walkers compared with the better known peaks of the Snowdonia National Park. This Snowdonia walk offers a relatively easy excursion allowing you to explore the possibilities of further walking in this very special part of Wales and it gives you a real sense of being right in the mountains.

Leave the main coast road at Llanbedr (on the A496 3 miles south of Harlech) and follow the lanes inland through wonderful country to reach the broad valley of Cwm Nantcol. Continue up the lane as far as you can to reach Maes-y-garnedd, an isolated farm at the head of the valley, where parking is available for a small fee (grid ref. SH641270).

The walk itself is an out and back excursion to the col between Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach. The scenery is excellent, a mixture of rock and heather with excellent views throughout. After parking go through the gate on the east side of the track and take the clear path that heads northeast. All you need to do is follow the path until you reach the col, Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy, which marked by a large cairn.

At times the way is a little boggy but generally the route offers no other difficulties. On reaching the col there is an excellent view across to Lake Trawsfynydd and the Arenigs. You can also take time to contemplate whether the Rhinogs fit your style of walking - look south from the col and you can see the steep path heading to the summit of Rhinog Fach! You might even try some off-path walking - just look out for the large rocks hidden amongst the calf high heather! Whatever your verdict the Rhinogs offer great routes, excellent scenery and ever changing panoramas - don't let the terrain put you off.

After taking in the delights of this wonderful natural rockery retrace your steps to where you parked. In two or three hours you will have discovered the delights and challenges of the Rhinog mountains. I'll wager most will be back for more!

Other walks nearby

Walk 1191 Rhinog Fawr & Gloyw Lyn from Cwm Bychanmod/hard5.0 miles
Walk 2544 Rhinog Fach circularmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 1036 Rhinog Fach & Y Llethrmoderate9.0 miles
Walk 1193 Y Llethr & Diffwysmod/hard11.5 miles
Walk 1746 Bwlch y Rhiwgyr & Pont Scethinmoderate9.8 miles
Walk 1173 Moel Ysgyfarnogod & Foel Penolaumoderate6.5 miles
Walk 3227 Rhinog Fawr and tarnsmod/hard15.0 miles
Walk 2713 Traverse of the Northern Rhinogs from Trawsfynyddmod/hard14.0 miles
Walk 1644 Cregennen Lakes moderate11.0 miles
Walk 1647 Mawddach Bridge and Arthog easy5.4 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia

Great Mountain Days in SnowdoniaInspirational guidebook to 40 great mountain day walks and scrambles in Snowdonia. Inspirational routes for all abilities across the National Park with routes up Snowdon and Moel Eilio, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, Eifionydd, Siabod and the Moelwynion, Rhinogydd (the Harlech Dome), Migneint and the Arans and Cadair Idris and the Tarrens.
More information

The Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast PathA single guidebook to walking the whole Wales Coast Path - 1400km (870 miles) the length of Wales from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, described in 57 stages. The route passes through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks and many AONBs and can be linked with the Offa's Dyke Path for a complete circuit of Wales.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.