Snowdon
Rhyd-Ddu Path
At a glance
Difficulty: Slightly Challenging
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 890m
Time: 6-7 hours
Crowds: 2/10 (quiet)
Fear factor: 6/10 (scary)
Snowdon Route: The Rhyd Ddu Path
The Rhyd-Ddu Path is a great choice for walking up Snowdon. It's the only route where you can see the summit from the start and it has spectacular views whilst walking along the South Ridge. The Rhyd-Ddu Path consists of three sections. The first section is along a substantial and easy-to-follow footpath. The second is generally steeper and the footpath is less clear so it is easier to get lost. The third section is along the exhilarating South Ridge. This is a thrilling adventure with intoxicating views and is a fantastic final flourish to a great route.
There is a decent-sized car park in the village of Rhyd-Ddu. This costs £6 (November 2021) and is card payment only. There are toilets located in the car park.
Who is it for?
The Rhyd-Ddu Path is slightly challenging but is suitable for most people with a 'reasonable' level of fitness. The top section of the walk is along a ridgeline with steep drops so isn't suitable for people with an acute fear of heights.
We accept children of 13 years and over on our Group Walks. Anyone under the age of 18 has to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Please contact us to arrange a Private Guiding walk for parents and children under 13 years of age.
What equipment do I need?
We will send you a detailed kit list upon booking and again shortly before the event.
Normal hiking gear is needed and this varies a little depending on the time of year and the forecast on the day. Items that are always required which you may need to go out and buy include walking boots/ walking shoes (not trainers), a waterproof jacket and a rucksack.
We can give you advice about what to buy if you have booked onto one of our walks.
Where does it start?
We will send you out detailed Event Notes by email before the walk which include where and when to meet and parking instructions.
Instructors
All of our instructors are fully qualified Mountain Leaders with a minimum of a 16 hour First Aid certificate. All participants are covered by our Public Liability Insurance.
The Rhyd Ddu Path Route Description
From the car park head north back towards the village of Rhyd-Ddu parallel with the railway to a gate. Here there is a signpost for the Rhyd-Ddu footpath which crosses the railway and heads east. Continue in an easterly direction past a quarry and through a series of gates. The footpath is good and the gradient is gentle making this the easiest section of the climb. If you are lucky you will see buzzards circling above with the summit of Snowdon in the background.
You will reach a crossroads where the Rhyd-Ddu Path is signposted and begins to head northeast. This second section of the footpath is more rugged and is much less easy to follow. It is easy to get lost here. The path increases in steepness until it reaches the Llechog ridge where you will be treated to outstanding views of Snowdon's west face and the rocky slopes of the South Ridge.
The path now heads west until it joins the South Ridge where the adventure truly begins. The South Ridge, whilst not particularly difficult physically is a test of bravery due to its steep drops on both sides. Walk along this carefully as it is dangerous, particularly in wet and/or windy conditions. Those brave enough for this section of the climb will be treated to heady views of the summit of Snowdon and the ridgeline which connects it to the dramatic peaks of Y Lliwedd East and Y Lliwedd West (Part of the Snowdon Horseshoe). After 300m the ridgeline becomes less sharp and continues 500m past some rocky pinnacles to the summit of Snowdon where, on a good day, you will have spectacular views of Snowdonia National Park.
