Nantlle Ridge Walk
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Nantlle Ridge Walk
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The Nantlle Ridge walk is an underappreciated gem in Snowdonia National Park. This green-swathed ridge sits in the shadow of Snowdon, making the views from the top divine. The route offers plenty of variety, with some easy scrambles, well-kept paths, and views of the Snowdon Range and Mynydd Mawr. It conveniently begins from Rhyd Ddu, although adventurous walkers can also approach from the other side. Second only to Crib Goch in terms of reward, keep this one for a clear day and you won’t be disappointed!
Getting there
The Nantlle Ridge walk begins from Rhyd Ddu. The car park off the A4085 just south of the Outdoor Activity Centre is where you’ll begin your walk.
About
| When to do | March-November |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Nantlle Ridge Walk
Elevation Graph
Weather
Nantlle Ridge Walk Description
While the Nantlle Ridge hike isn’t highly technical, it does include some scrambling sections that are best kept for dry days. Some parts of the trail near the start can get a bit boggy, so take care with route finding (and keeping your feet dry!) if it’s been raining.
The walk begins from the Rhyd Ddu car park. You’ll cross the road onto a path that crosses a field and a river. The road to Nantlle is on the corner here. Take a sharp left turn and pick up the obvious path. You’ll remain on this path until the steep slope on your right leads up to Y Garn. Take this path.
This section of the trail is easy to follow and uncomplicated. Further up it becomes a bit rocky, and you’ll see several cliffs on your right. Keep these on your right and follow them around to the summit cairn of Y Garn.
From here, walk along the summit wall heading south. You’ll have an easy hands-on scramble up to Mynydd Drws y Coed, which brings you to a portion of the trail with fantastic views. You’ll continue to hug the cliffs on your right, making sure not to veer left in mist or poor visibility.
This is the highlight of the ridge, making it a popular turnaround spot. You’ll want to retrace your steps to the previous peak. Here, instead of continuing straight, turn and take the trail to the right that descends the ridge. Follow this until you’re mostly off the ridge and the trail reaches a 4-way junction. Stay hard left on the trail that leads back towards Rhyd Ddu. From here, stay straight at another junction, and then you can either hug the foot of the ridge or follow a trail that hugs Llyn y Gadair. Either will get you back to town.
Closer to Rhyd Ddu, the trail rejoins with the ascending trail and leads into town.
Insider Hints
You can continue further along the ridge if you prefer, just double-back once you’re ready to descend
Lots of trails intersect with Nantlle Ridge on the descent, so it’s a good idea to download the GPS track
Cwellyn Arms Campsite is not far from town if you’re wanting to pitch your tent after you hike
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