3.5 of 5 (7 votes)

The Rhyd-Ddu path up Snowdon

A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Snowdonia in Gwynedd, Wales, about 12.00km (7.46 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 6:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 854m (2801ft)
Descent 858m (2814ft)
Max. Elevation 1040m (3412ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 1712m (5615ft)
Start & End
Rhyd-Ddu bus stop
Distance 12.00km
(7.46mi)
Duration ~6:00h
Difficulty  
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 13 Dec 2012
There are many ways up Snowdon and all of them enjoyable. The Rhyd-Ddu path is one of the quieter options, but highly recommended for the finish, which takes you along the top of one of Snowdon's impressive cwms. As always with the wonderful Snowdon Sherpa, you can head down via any route - I suggest the Snowdon Ranger path, finishing once more in Rhyd-Ddu. Check for ticket deals and the latest timetables here: www.visitcaernarfon.com/sherpa/index.html

Walk Functions

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Nearby Walks

The northern end of the Nantlle Ridge

★★★★★ ★★★★★
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Nantlle Ridge

★★★★★ ★★★★★
A moderate, linear walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Gwynedd, Wales, about 12.20km (7.58 mi) long, duration: ~5:00h.

Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert

★★★★★ ★★★★★
A leisurely, linear walk (countryside) starting in Gwynedd, Wales, about 7.40km (4.60 mi) long, duration: ~2:15h.

Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid SH569529
Take the Snowdon Sherpa bus to Rhyd-Ddu on the western side of Snowdon.
OS Grid SH571526
Cross the recently reopened Welsh Highland Railway line - the path heads up the hill from here.
About 0.36 km (~0.22 miles) from
OS Grid SH582524
Take the left-hand fork at the footpath junction.
About 1.14 km (~0.71 miles) from
OS Grid SH592532
Why the Rhyd-Ddu path? Well, it's usually quieter than those on the northern side of the mountain. It also has great views back across to the shapely Nantlle Ridge.
About 1.30 km (~0.81 miles) from
OS Grid SH597537
Another plus point for the Rhyd-Ddu path is the final leg, which takes you around the rim of the huge north-western cwm on Snowdon.
About 0.68 km (~0.42 miles) from
OS Grid SH604536
Continue up Bwlch Main towards the top.
About 0.76 km (~0.47 miles) from
OS Grid SH609543
You either love it or hate it - but the new cafe is certainly an improvement on the old one. Now the perennial Snowdon dilemma - which way down? Coming by bus means no chasing back to the car - you can head down whichever way you like.
About 0.81 km (~0.5 miles) from
OS Grid SH604553
Another good route - let's face it, they're all good on Snowdon - is the Snowdon Ranger path. Head north towards Garnedd Ugain.
About 1.09 km (~0.68 miles) from
OS Grid SH596555
Take the ridge path above Llyn Du'r Arddu.
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from
OS Grid SH575553
At the path junction on the lower slopes, you can head back towards Rhyd-Ddu. One advantage to this is you have a nice pub to sit in while you wait for the bus.
About 2.09 km (~1.3 miles) from
OS Grid SH570528
Finish up at the Cwellyn Arms for a beer to finish a great walk up Wales' highest mountain. There is also a bunkhouse if you want to do the Nantlle Ridge the next day (highly recommended). More at: www.snowdoninn.co.uk/
About 2.47 km (~1.53 miles) from

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