The Rhyd Ddu Path starting from just outside the village of Rhyd Ddu is typically the quietest of the six main Snowdon paths but it’s difficult to understand why as it’s a beautiful walk to the summit of Snowdon. At seven-and-a-half miles (12km) it’s also one of the shortest with a gentle profile meaning you won’t have to climb too much.
Car parking can be found at Rhyd Ddu station on the Welsh Highland Railway and it’s rarely busy. Aim for LL54 6TH or ///january.smuggled.united. The site is run by Snowdonia National Park Authority and takes coins as well as card payments by chip and pin or contactless. Standard daily rate of £6 or £3 for up to four hours applies. There are great toilet facilities at the start of this walk so make use of them before setting off.
How to climb Snowdon via the Rhyd Ddu Path
Leave the main car park walking past the toilets and through the overspill car park looking for the gate on the right to cross the railway. This is the Welsh Highland Railway so keep an eye out for trains as you cross. Once through the other gate walk along the path until you reach a split. Take the right-hand option here and walk around the metal gate. The path continues here gradually uphill through a couple of gates until you reach another path junction. Turn left here clearly sign posted ‘Llwybr Rhyd Ddu Path’ and pass through the gate.
If you’re lucky you’ll have views of Snowdon in the distance but first you need to climb the hill in front of you! The path here is easy to follow but isn’t in great condition in places and can be wet after rain. Eventually you’ll reach a gate in the wall and start to head left as you continue uphill.
You’ll soon reach the top of Llechog. This is a good chance for a break as you’re past half way now. The path continues along the ridge and through another gate before turning left more steeply uphill. Continue up into the zig-zags taking the chance to look at the views down to your left.
The section ahead of you can be nerve-wracking for some so take care here. The path gets very close to big drops on your left for a short section. There’s no real way of avoiding this without scrambling up on to the rocks which is not recommended. Further on you will find yourself having to use your hands for some easy scrambling – all very safe.
The path soon meets the intersection with the Watkin Path joining from the right. It’s just ten minutes now to the top!
You’ll suddenly be met by the imposing Hafod Eryri visitor centre. Walk past that on the left and continue to the summit.
How to get down from Snowdon along the Rhyd Ddu Path
From the summit, head towards the left hand side of the visitor centre (confusingly sign posted ‘Watkin Path’) and start descending. Once you reach the path junction with the Watkin Path heading left, ignore it and continue straight on. Follow the ridge line downhill taking care on exposed sections. A trip or fall here will be a serious problem. You’ll soon reach the zig zags and gate through the wall.
Continue along the path here and look for the cairns indicating your way down to the left. You should be able to see the village of Rhyd Ddu in the distance with its distinctive white houses. Continue downhill, through the gate in the wall and eventually you’ll reach the obvious footpath back to the car park.
