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Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu

By Dave Roberts   

on April 7, 2023    4/5 (1)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu

Route Essentials

Route Summary

A moderate walk from Rhyd Ddu that takes in the picturesque Llyn y Gader as well a section of the Rhyd Ddu path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

6.5 km

Ascent

200 m

Time

2 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Rhyd Ddu

Difficulty

Moderate Walk

Hazards

The route does climb to around 300m on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), so be prepared for some slightly colder conditions than lower down.

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu

This short Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu is suitable as an alternative route to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for when conditions aren’t ideal, or if you’ve only a few hours to spare in the evening. The final descent is particularly impressive during the sunset, and it’s worth timing it to suit.

The map shows the walk in an anti-clockwise direction, but it’s equally good in the opposite direction by getting the ascent up the Rhyd Ddu path out of the way at the start of the walk leaving a leisurely walk back to the start. 

If you’re looking for a shorter and easier walk to Llyn y Gader from Rhyd Ddu, then you can simply walk the first few sections out and back, which has minimal ascent as it avoids the tougher final section up and over the Rhyd Ddu Path.

Llyn y Gader Walk from Rhyd Ddu Route Description

1 The route starts from the Rhyd Ddu car park, with the Lon Gwyrfai path proper beginning on the other side of the main road. It’s clearly signposted, and well built, making it an easy start. It takes you around a cottage (just about visible below), where you’ll need to turn left towards the lake rather than right for the Nantlle Ridge just beyond.

2  The track now crosses a causeway, complete with overkill eyesore mesh fence, along the edge of Llyn y Gader, with some excellent views all around, before arriving at an old quarry at the far end. Here the path veers left, along the actual lakeside, before entering the forest.

3 The path remains easy to follow through the forestry, which soon joins a forestry track. Ignore the first junction to your right, and continue until you join another forestry track where a way marker clearly points left. Follow the track from 300m, cross the WHR and arrive at the road junction known as Pont Cae’r Gors.

4 There’s an excellent new path that’s been built between Pont Cae’r Gors and the Rhyd Ddu path, which also makes an interesting and alternative starting point for a walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

The conditions didn’t change – we just forgot to take photos of this section in the snow!

5 From  Ffridd Uchaf farm, before heading uphill past a stand of trees and then onto open hillside. The section from the farm to the Rhyd Ddu path is just shy of 1km in distance, and has a few wet sections. This section is also the only significant bit of climbing on the route.

6 The route finally levels off and you can enjoy the views left towards Crib Nantlle and Mynydd Mawr, as well as ahead towards Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). There’s a great big rock that proclaims you’ve arrived at the Rhyd ddu path where you’ll need to turn left and back to Rhyd Ddu.

7 The final descent on the Rhyd Ddu path is straightforward, but with excellent views towards the Nantlle Ridge as well as being a prime spot for sunsets (even ITV Weather agrees with us!). The track eventually joins a farm track, where you turn left to cross the WHR and arrive at the Rhyd Ddu car park. Turn right at this point if you want to visit the village, which has a tea room and an excellent pub (Cwellyn Arms).

Here are a few more images we couldn’t quite squeeze in.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

A moderate walk from Rhyd Ddu that takes in the picturesque Llyn y Gader as well a section of the Rhyd Ddu path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Route Start Location: Rhyd Ddu

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
6.5 km 200 m 2 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

VERY decent pub and tearoom in the village, WC at car park.

Hazards

The route does climb to around 300m on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), so be prepared for some slightly colder conditions than lower down.

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : LL54 6TN

Rhyd Ddu Wyddfa (Snowdon) Car Park

Public Transport:

Sherpa Buses and WHR to Rhyd Ddu.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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