Snowdon's southern ridge
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Snowdonia in Gwynedd, Wales, about 10.80km (6.71 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
981m (3218ft)
Descent
968m (3175ft)
Max. Elevation
1060m (3477ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1949m (6393ft)
Start & End
Nant Gwynant
Distance
10.80km
(6.71mi)
(6.71mi)
Duration
~5:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 08 Aug 2016
It's one of the least well-known routes up Snowdon, but for my money one of the best. A bit of scrambling, stupendous views, and less traffic than most other routes. With this route, you also get to enjoy the Watkin Path on the way down, when most of the crowds have long since departed.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Llyn Dinas and Beddgelert
A leisurely, linear walk (riverside) starting in Gwynedd, Wales, about 8.40km (5.22 mi) long, duration: ~3:00h.Cnicht and the Moelwyns from Nantgwynant
A moderate, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Gwynedd, Wales, about 10.40km (6.46 mi) long, duration: ~4:45h.Snowdon via Watkin Path
A moderate, linear walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Gwynedd, Wales, about 11.30km (7.02 mi) long, duration: ~6:00h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SH627506
Take the bus to Nant Gwynant, and - if it's a sunny day - be grateful you don't have to try and find a parking spot in the car park here...
OS Grid SH626513
Follow the main route from the bus stop, which is also the start of the Watkin Path.
About 0.66 km (~0.41 miles) from 
OS Grid SH620520
At Cwm Llan, leave the main route and head into the bowl-shaped valley.
About 0.91 km (~0.57 miles) from 
OS Grid SH616520
Continue along the path towards the valley wall.
About 0.42 km (~0.26 miles) from 
OS Grid SH605521
The path brings you to the saddle of the ridge, after a steepish climb. Turn right here and follow the ridge line upwards.
About 1.14 km (~0.71 miles) from 
OS Grid SH605528
It's a scrambly route up, so enjoy getting your hands dirty.
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid SH604536
Join the Rhyd-Ddu path at Bwlch Main and continue up the final stretch to the summit.
About 0.79 km (~0.49 miles) from 
OS Grid SH609543
Head to the cafe for a pot of tea, or, if you don't like crowds, walk 50m away from the summit and you'll find a spot to yourself.
About 0.82 km (~0.51 miles) from 
OS Grid SH615540
There's a choice of routes down, but if you started at Nant Gwynant, why not finish there too? If so, take the Watkin Path down. Watch the first bit, it's a bit tricksy.
About 0.70 km (~0.43 miles) from 
OS Grid SH616536
Drop down onto this well-trodden path to start your descent.
About 0.41 km (~0.25 miles) from 
OS Grid SH613524
You rejoin the route in in the bottom of the valley.
About 1.21 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid SH622515
I always like to stop at the waterfalls on the way down to soak up the last of the day.
About 1.25 km (~0.78 miles) from 
Nant Gwynant againOS Grid SH626505
Back for the bus home. There's also a campsite nearby, and if your legs are still fresh, a good little walk over to Beddgelert instead of the bus.
About 1.04 km (~0.65 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
driver 16
Have done Watkin Path up if you check out my walks, Waypoint 9, going down is more than a bit tricksy, it's hands and knees stuff on the way up, so, very daunting if you suffer from vertigo, when I went up passed some very white faces coming down, hands and bums stuff, TAKE GREAT CARE !