The Rhyd-Ddu path is one of the easiest paths to the summit of Snowdon, and is also one of the quietest. Although it doesn�t boast the excitement of Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd, and the views from the route don�t quite match those in the north, it is one of the more scenic routes up the mountain. Until relatively recently, and not until the first series of Ordnance Survey Landranger maps were published, the path was known as the Beddgelert route, and was the route taken by Thomas Johnson in 1639 on the first recorded ascent of the mountain. When combined with the Snowdon Ranger Path it becomes a hugely enjoyable and satisfying horseshoe route.

Getting There

The Rhyd-Ddu starts at the car park in the village if Rhyd-Ddu (SH 571 525) which is also located on the A4085 between Beddgelert (SH 590 481) and Caernarfon (SH 482 625). The carpark is also serviced by the Snowdon Sherpa bus service which has various stops around the mountain and runs from Llanberis, Bettws y Coed, Caernarfon, Beddgelert, Bethesda, and Porthmadog. Be sure to check timetables first as you don't want to end up missing the last bus and find yourself stuck, of course in these situations hitching is always an option.

Diagram of the Rhyd Ddu Path (right)

Route Description

The route starts at the carpark on the A4085 just south of the village of Rhd Ddu (Black Ford). The first few meters of the route follows the track of the Welsh Highland Railway, before starting properly at the kissing gate just past the carpark toilets, where it winds between rocky outcrops. After a few hundred meters the path forks and the route takes the right-hand path which is helpfully indicated by a wooden post nearby.

The path passes the ruined and deserted remnants of the copper mining industry, and at around 750m the route reaches a crossroads in the paths; following the left path through a kissing gate (the right is an alternative start to the route and straight on takes you over to join the Watkin Path). A section of sporadic boggy is rewarded with some very easy scrambling as the route assends Llechog (Rocky Place) Ridge. From here, a cairn-marked route leads up the exposed ridge, which is often open to the prevailing winds. A short but very steep and slippery section brings the route to the junction with the S. Ridge route and the two paths together follow the sharp Bwlch Main (Narrow Pass) ridge towards Snowdon's Summit. The exposed nature of Bwlch Main restricts it to the experienced and well-equipped mountaineer in winter conditions, although it is unlikely to pose any difficulties in summer. Another steep section brings you to the monolith marking the joining of the Watkin Path. From here, the summit is only a few meters away to the north.

Essential Gear

Just a good pair of boots, waterproofs and some lunch. If walking in winter conditions make sure you also carry an ice axe and crampons.

Maps

Extract form the Ordnance Survey 1:50k map of Snowdon

Navigation Maps

OS 1:25k Explorer Series OL 17 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa
OS 1:50k Landranger Series 115 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa
Harvey Map Services 1:25k Snowdonia: Snowdon and the Moelwynion
Harvey Map Services/BMC 1: 40k British Mountain Map: Snowdonia

Road Maps

OS Road Map 9 Wales/Cymru & West Midlands

Guidebooks

Snowdonia (Official National Park Guide) by Merfyn Williams
The Mountains of England and Wales: Volume 1 Wales (Cicerone Guide) by John and Anne Nuttall
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 1 (Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 2(Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton

External Links

Llechog Ridge from just below Snowdons summit

Llechog Ridge from Snowdons summit

General

Snowdonia National Park Authority
Gwynedd County Council
Local Information from Gwynedd.com
Local Information from Snowdonia Wales Net
North Wales Index
Snowdonia-Active.com
Countryside Council for Wales
The National Trust
CADW
Royal Commission on Ancient & Historical Monuments in Wales
Gwynedd Archeological Trust
British Mountaineering Council
The Climbers Club
Snowdon Summit Blog
Hightreck Snowdonia

Weather

Mountain Weather Wales
Weather from the Met Office
Weather Channel UK

Travel

Welsh Public Transport Information
Uk Train Timetable
Welsh Highland Railway
Snowdon Sherpa

Accommodation

Youth Hostel Association in Wales
Beddgelert Forest Campsite
Cae Du campsite near Beddgelert

Maps and Guide Books

Ordnance Survey
Harvey Map Services
Cicerone Guide Books
Climbers Club Guide Books