Snowdon - the Rhyd Ddu Path

I have climbed Snowdon over 300 times now. To many of you that must sound rather repetitive and masochistic, but to me it is different every time. At least half my ascents have been in snow and ice conditions, when Snowdon can become a serious mountain. I have done over 100 different routes, some of them climbing routes, some scrambles, others walks. Each time the conditions, weather and visibility can vary greatly. Just as important, whoever accompanies me can make a big impact on my day. But all in all, I just love being in the mountains.

There are 6 main walking routes up Snowdon that are accessible to most and relatively safe. Of these, my favourite is the Rhyd Ddu Path. This path is relatively quiet, offers interesting views, and has real character, especially once on the ridge.

The start is a large car park at Rhyd Ddu, 4 miles north of Beddgelert on the A4085 to Caernarfon. Cross the newly rebuilt Welsh Highland (steam) Railway, and follow the gently rising track eastwards for about 30 minutes. At this point the path to Snowdon heads left, over a style. The path is gentle for a little longer, but then suddenly steepens – the bulk of the height gain is achieved in this middle section of the mountain. Regular cairns point the way in poor visibility. A little under an hour later the ridge is reached above Llechog, the view opens up, and Snowdon is very much achievable in front of you. Take a short while to appreciate the view behind you – Moel Hebog, the Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Mawr, and the sea behind them.

After a short respite along the ridge, just after a gate through a wall, comes the last real uphill hard work. The path zigzags several times towards the apex of a steep triangular slope. Just before the top the path flattens and heads left and you are well aware of a big drop on your left. Soon after, at Bwlch Main, comes the best bit. The path is still wide and safe, but winds around a few grassy towers on the thin ridge, with exposure evident on both sides. The more confident will choose to abandon the path and go over the towers. After this the ridge widens and another 15 minutes will be all it takes to the summit. Allow two and a half hours for the whole ascent.

After enjoying the summit views, meeting those who pile out of the train, and admiring the new summit building, it’s time to choose your descent route. Obviously you can descend the same way straight back to Rhyd Ddu. I can suggest 3 other straightforward possibilities. The first is to descend the Snowdon Ranger Path and hitch a lift or catch the bus back to Rhyd Ddu (less than 2 miles). Even better, descend the Snowdon Ranger Path until it has finished its main ridge, beside Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas, and head in a SSW direction back to Rhyd Ddu – there is no path doing this, but the route finding is straightforward in good visibility – beware of one or two abandoned slate mines. The third alternative option is to follow the south ridge back past the towers at Bwlch Main, go over the forepeak, heading due south and finishing the day by climbing Yr Aran – a straightforward path returns to Rhyd Ddu.