The Rhinog ridge
A strenuous walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Snowdonia starting and finishing in Gwynedd, Wales, about 25.40km (15.78 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 10:00h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
835m (2739ft)
Descent
826m (2709ft)
Max. Elevation
730m (2395ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1661m (5448ft)
Start
Talsarnau station
End
Barmouth station
Distance
25.40km
(15.78mi)
(15.78mi)
Duration
~10:00h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Think there is no wilderness left in the UK? Then head for the Rhinogs for some of the wildest walking in Wales. The landscape here is a mix of rocky summits and dense heather moorland, with good views of Wales' other big 'uns to the north and east.
This walk is best enjoyed over two days with a wild camp on route. Navigation can been tricky here - no well-trodden paths round these parts - so make sure you are prepared!
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid SH610361
Talsarnau is a request stop on the Cambrian Coast Railway. From the station, head through the village and pick up the footpath heading onto the ridge.
OS Grid SH645344
Follow the track between Llyn Eiddew-bach and Llyn Eiddew-mawr. This will lead you onto Moel Ysgyfarnogod, the first big summit on the ridge.
About 3.88 km (~2.41 miles) from 
OS Grid SH657331
From the summit, follow the ridge heading south past two small llyns and onto Craig Ddrwg, and Clip. Navigate carefully down the steep slope south from Clip.
About 1.69 km (~1.05 miles) from 
OS Grid SH656302
OK, we told you it was wild. The stretch between Clip and Llyn Morwynion is a pathless expanse of heathery heaven. Your compass will earn its stripes over this bit.
About 2.90 km (~1.8 miles) from 
OS Grid SH656290
The highest point for day one - 720m and great views of your onward route to the south.
About 1.30 km (~0.81 miles) from 
OS Grid SH665270
Just to the south is the peak of Rhinog Fach, above Llyn Hywel. The flatter area around Llyn y Bi, just to the east of the cwm between Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr is a good place for an extremely peaceful wild camp!
About 2.10 km (~1.3 miles) from 
OS Grid SH662234
Day 2, and it's straight back on to the crest of the ridge. Climb Y Llethr and follow Crib-y-rhiw south onto Diffwys, the highest peak in the Rhinogs.
About 3.71 km (~2.31 miles) from 
OS Grid SH639223
The ridge takes a detour beyond Diffwys - head southwest along the shoulder and hug the high point.
About 2.49 km (~1.55 miles) from 
OS Grid SH627201
As the ridge drops in height towards Bwlch y Rhiwgyr, look for the footpath dropping down the western side of the hill. This leads around the contours of the hill and down towards Barmouth.
About 2.59 km (~1.61 miles) from 
BarmouthOS Grid SH613157
The end of the walk! The ridge drops right into the village of Barmouth, and the train home.
About 4.52 km (~2.81 miles) from 
