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Snowdon by Rhyd-Ddu and Snowdon Ranger Paths

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Snowdon Crib Goch

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.5 miles / 12.2 km    Ascent - 3300 feet / 1000 metres

Time - 7 hours 0 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL17Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 115Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 115Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Snowdon by Rhyd-Ddu and Snowdon Ranger Paths
Click image to see photo description.

Snowdon is a busy summit seeing crowds of visitors in fine weather. The most popular paths are the direct approach from Llanberis, the routes from Pen-y-pass and the Watkin Path reaching the summit from the south. In addition, there are many visitors arriving by train. Two less used routes are the Rhyd-Ddu and Snowdon Ranger paths which approach from the west. Both paths provide excellent walking in fine scenery with relative solitude. It is only when near the summit do you have to contend with the crowds and this is why the western approach is my personal favourite.

This Snowdonia (Eryri) walk needs some pre-planning. The preferred choice is to park at the Snowdon Ranger station on the Welsh Highland Railway and catch the train to Rhyd-Ddu. The train service is not frequent and it must be remembered that Snowdon Ranger is a request stop. Alternatively, park at Rhyd-Ddu station and after completion of the walk take the train from Snowdon Ranger station back to the start. The third option is described in the text and will return you to Rhyd-Ddu. If you choose to use the railway then make sure you are aware of the times of the trains.

From Rhyd-Ddu pay and display car park (grid ref. SH571526) walk to the Rhyd-Ddu village end of the station, cross the tracks using the purpose-built crossing and follow the clear track that heads southeast uphill towards Bwlch-Cwm Llan. It is a straightforward walk with the track allowing a fast pace along what was once an access road to the quarries and mines near Yr Aran. After 1.2 km, you reach a junction of paths (grid ref. SH582524). Go left here following the Rhyd-Ddu path. The route is mostly easy to follow and where the path is in doubt helpful cairns and waymarks assist route-finding.

It is a steady ascent. With excellent views, both ahead to the Snowdon Massif and retrospectively to the Nantlle Ridge and Mynydd Mawr, you are rewarded for the effort expended. The path then follows the Lechog ridge with views across Cwm Clogwyn to the return route. Reaching Snowdon's South Ridge (grid ref. SH605537), bear left and continue to the summit of Snowdon probably in the company of many other walkers. The summit area is well worth exploring and it is possible to get away from the crowds and enjoy the view east towards Crib Goch, Y LLiwedd and Pen-y-Pass.

To continue the walk, leave the summit by following the wide path by the side of the railway descending to Llanberis. You will reach a rock signing the Snowdon Ranger Path to the left. Initially the path is unclear but in fine weather the way ahead is clear along the Clogwyn Du'r Arddu ridge. After a few hundred metres the path is clear on the ground with cairns helping with navigation as the path zigzags downhill. The view ahead is superb with the Nantlle Ridge dominating the panorama.

After passing Llyn Fynnon-y-gwas on your left, much of the descent is complete. A mile past the reservoir you reach a junction of paths (grid ref. SH575533). From here you can either descend to Snowdon Ranger Station or return to Rhyd-Ddu. If you are heading to Snowdon Ranger station stay on the main path and continue downhill following a series of zigzags down to the railway. If you want to return to Rhyd-Ddu, then cross the ladder stile on your left at this junction and follow the path down into the valley. This option adds about 2 miles to the total distance.

Other walks nearby

Walk 3613 Moel Cynghorion from Llyn Cwellynmoderate5.0 miles
Walk 3060 Moel Lefn & Moel yr Ogofmoderate7.0 miles
Walk 2150 Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan from Beddgelerteasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 2560 Moel Hebog, Moel yr Ogof & Moel Lefn from Beddgelertmod/hard6.5 miles
Walk 1799 Moel Hebogmoderate5.5 miles
Walk 1988 Beddgelert, Moel Hebog, Meol yr Ogof & Moel Lefnmod/hard6.8 miles
Walk 3074 Mynydd Sygunmoderate4.5 miles
Walk 3231 Moel Hebog, Meol yr Ogof and Moel Lefn from Beddgelertmod/hard6.8 miles
Walk 1426 Aberglaslyn and Cwm Bychaneasy/mod5.8 miles
Walk 1427 Craflwyn circular from near Beddgelerteasy/mod2.5 miles

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