Hiking Snowdon | The Rhyd Ddu Path
Often one of the quietest routes up Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa, the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of six hiking routes ascending the highest peak in Wales. Away from the crowded Llanberis Path, the trail is fairly simple to follow but offers a slightly more challenging route.
Winding across rugged farmland, boggy grasslands and zig zagging steep scree slopes the route then crosses as exposed ridge before reaching the summit. Although not nearly as exposed or challenging as the famous Crib Goch scramble and therefore much more accessible to less experienced hikers in good weather.
Below we’ve listed details and a basic trail guide in three easy stages!
Warning: This route has several exposed and steep drops, do not undertake this during bad weather unless you are a prepared and experienced hiker.
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Navigation Menu – The Rhyd Ddu Path
Rhyd Ddu Path Route Map
Rhyd Ddu Path | 3 Stage Route Guide
Stage 1 – Stepping Stones
The path begins in the car park at Rhyd Ddu Railway Station, pass the toilet block on your left before crossing the railway through the pedestrian gate. Follow the wide, rocky track as it winds up the hillside and across the rolling farmland, you might even spot the odd sheep grazing!
Having passed through several gates you’ll reach a crossroads, take the left path and follow the stone marker.
Top Tip: It’s worth getting there early as the small car park can fill up on a clear day.
Leaving the crossroads behind you continue on through the boggy wetland, hopping across stepping stones and scrambling up the muddy hillside. After a steep climb up a rocky path you’ll reach a gate in a stoney wall, pass through this and follow the route up the steep incline to Llechog ridge.
Take a moment to look down at the stunning lakes below; Llyn Nadroedd, Llyn Coch and Llyn Glas.
Fun Fact: In 1639 the Rhyd Ddu Path (known then as the Beddgelert Path) was used for the first official ascent of Snowdon.
Stage 2 – The Ridges
From here on, the route becomes a little exposed, take extra care in windy conditions as there are several steep drops only a stones throw from the path.
Continue on, zig-zagging steeply upwards until you join another path and reach the ridge of Bwlch Main (also known as the Saddle). Once you’ve crossed the ridge, the landscape flattens slightly and the path becomes loose and rocky.
The last push is a steep scramble to the top where you’re greeted with the juxtaposition of a modern café positioned on the summit of a mountain.
Continue past this (and the toilets) to reach the summit, where more often than not, you’ll have to queue for the trig point.
The views make up for the popularity of the spot, from the summit you can see the peaceful lake, Llyn Llydaw, which is one of the legendary locations linked to King Arthur and supposedly home to the Lady of the Lake.
Fun Fact: Legend has it that Sir Bedivere tossed the Excalibur sword into Llyn Llydaw.
Stage 3 – The Descent
Having snapped your summit picture and possibly queued far too long to touch the trig point it’s time to head back down the mountain.
Descending via the same route, head down past the café and follow signs for the Rhyd Ddu and Watkin Path. Take care as this descent is steep with sharp drops and loose rocks. Zig zag back down the mountainside and hop back over the stepping stones before returning along the wide track back to the car park.
How to get to the Rhyd Ddu Path
The start of the trail begins in Rhyd Ddu Car Park, which is located just off the A4085 (Postcode: LL54 6TN)
It’s a pay and display car park so you will require some change, there are also free toilets in this car park.
Mount Snowdon Weather
Always check the weather before heading out on any hiking adventure, it may look like clear blue skies but you never know what could blow in.
You can check the summit forecast for Snowdon here.
Another great place to check the mountain weather is the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS).
Key Points
- Take plenty of water, particularly if hiking in summer. It’s a steep route although refreshments can be purchased at the summit café.
- Be careful if hiking in winter or wet/windy conditions, the trail can be treacherous due to snow and ice and the exposed ridges can be dangerous in windy conditions.
Thanks for reading, and if you’re interested in doing this hike but would like a guide… contact our very own Mountain Leader, Nick. You can get in touch through social media or our contact page.
Thanks again and happy hiking!
Nick and Eve