Nantlle Ridge Walk
Table of contents
Route Description for Nantlle Ridge Walk
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 for Nantlle Ridge Walk
- 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
Getting to the Nantlle Ridge Walk Trailhead
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.Route Information
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 Forecast
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