Rhyd-Ddu & Llyn y Gader

Start : In the car park at Rhyd-Ddu at O.S. grid ref. SH 571 526. (Nearby postcode LL54 6TL)

(S/E) Walk to the North end of the Rhyd-Ddu car park, then cross the railway line right (East) and join an obvious track. Stay on this track for 1.5 Km to meet a crossroads in the track. On a boulder to the left is marked "Rhyd Ddu Track" and leads to the summit of Snowdon.

(1) For this walk turn right (South-South-West) at the crossroads and follow the good track downhill across the moor.

(2) As you approach the farm buildings (Ffridd Uchaf) to the right the path bears left along an obvious permissive path which is well marked by marker posts. This follows a pretty river to a road (A4085).

(3) Go straight across the road where there are large signs for Beddgelert forest. A wide track goes left and shows a Parking sign, but this walk goes straight on through a small gate and crosses the railway line.

(4) After 250m. bear right (North) at the junction and follow the obvious path.

(5) Stay on this path until a causeway is reached along side the lake (Llyn y Gader).

(6) The track completes the round by keeping right before crossing the road (A4085) to arrive back at the car park in Rhyd Ddu. (S/E)

Start : In the car park at Rhyd-Ddu at O.S. grid ref. SH 571 526. (Nearby postcode LL54 6TL)

Parking : Car park at Rhyd-Ddu at O.S. grid ref. SH 571 526. (Nearby postcode LL54 6TL)

Local transport : This walk can also be accessed by bus and train (www.festrail.co.uk for timetables)

Facilities : Public Toilets at Rhyd Ddu station. Excellent tea room in Rhyd Ddu village and also a pub.

Terrain : The tracks are very clear, mostly old quarry access and forest trails, but the sections in between have all been improved in the last 3 years so the route is always good underfoot. A good walk after rain as it is well drained and stays dry.

On a good day there are excellent views of Snowdon, Yr Aran, Moel Hebog and Mynydd Mawr, with many other lesser summits in view. Snowdon summit is often cloudy but the other peaks are lower, although on a really bad day the cloud level can obscure most of them