Walking on Snowdon – Snow, Ice and Sunshine

Today we enjoyed a glorious mountain day walking on Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Two classic routes, an ascent of 895m (2,936ft) via the Rhyd Ddu path and descent via the Snowdon Ranger path, completing our walk back to the Rhyd Ddu car park by taking the footpath across marshes, fields and the remains of the old slate quarry.

Initially the ascent is gradual (to get you warmed up!). It gets steeper and rockier and this is sustained. Today in the winter sunshine we had a spectacular view of Llyn y Gadair, Llyn Cwellyn and Dyffryn Nantlle through the pass between the two lakes.

From the exposed Llechog ridge we had fabulous views of Cwm Clogwyn and its three small lakes of: Llyn Glas; Llyn Coch; and Llyn Nadroedd.

After the zig-zags, we reached Bwlch Main. This is a narrow and rocky ridge with steep slopes either side. It was covered in snow and some ice but not enough to require crampons. However, when we reached the point above, where the Watkin Path joins the Rhyd Ddu path, crampons made progress to the summit easier, as there are sections of thick ice on this final rocky section.

Descending from the summit care was taken on icy sections of the path at Clogwyn Du’r Arddu and Bwlch Cwm Brwynog. Again crampons make progress much safer and easier. A leisurely descent and sunshine ensured we enjoyed the views all the way back to the car park at Rhyd Ddu.

See our walking pages for more details. We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

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