Climbing Snowdon Up and Down the Rhyd Ddu Path: A Guide
Introduction:
Climbing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is a must-do for anyone seeking adventure and breathtaking views. The Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the more accessible and less busy routes up the mountain, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more challenging climb. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about parking, accessibility, difficulty, and what to expect on the ascent and descent.
Parking: The Rhyd Ddu Path starts at the Rhyd Ddu car park, which has plenty of spaces available. The car park can get busy on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to arrive early to ensure you get a spot. The fee for parking is £6 for the day, and there are toilets available at the car park.
Accessibility: While the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the more accessible routes up Snowdon, it is still a challenging climb. The path is well-maintained but can be steep and rocky in places, so it’s important to wear sturdy and comfortable footwear. There are some parts where you will need to scramble, so it’s also important to have some basic climbing skills and to be comfortable with heights.
Difficulty: The Rhyd Ddu Path is considered to be a medium-level climb, and it takes around 6 hours to complete. The path is marked with cairns and signposts, but it can be easy to lose your way in bad weather or low visibility. It’s important to bring plenty of water, food, and warm clothing, as the temperature can drop quickly as you ascend.
Ascent and Descent: The Rhyd Ddu Path offers stunning views of Snowdonia National Park and the surrounding mountains. The ascent is a gradual climb, with some steeper sections and scrambling towards the summit. Once you reach the top, the views are simply breathtaking, and you can see for miles around. The descent is via the same path, which can be challenging on the knees and legs.
Scrambling: There are some sections of the Rhyd Ddu Path where you will need to scramble, particularly towards the summit. These sections require some basic climbing skills, and it’s important to take your time and be careful. If you’re not comfortable with scrambling, there are alternative routes up Snowdon, such as the Llanberis Path or the Pyg Track.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding climb up Snowdon, the Rhyd Ddu Path is a great choice. This route offers stunning views and a less busy climb, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds. Remember to bring warm clothing, plenty of water and food, and to wear sturdy footwear. Take your time and be careful on the scrambling sections, and enjoy the fantastic views from the summit. Happy climbing!