Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Garnedd-goch: route map, distance and time
700 m · Snowdonia
A grade 1 scramble to the summit from Rhyd Ddu westbound public path.
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu starts at about 314 m and gains 774 m over 7.1 km to 685 m on the track. It is steep from the start: the first kilometre climbs 268 m (27%). The steepest kilometre is the one ending at 1 km, which climbs 268 m at an average of 27%, with a 500 m stretch from 0.3 km at about 37%. The final 0.1 km eases to the top. About 30% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5, so expect hands-on-knees going and a slow descent.
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu at a glance
| Distance | 7.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Climb on the track | 774 m up, 402 m down on the way |
| Start and top of the track | 314 m to 717 m (summit 700 m) |
| Steepest 500 m | About 37%, from 0.3 km |
| Steeper than 1 in 5 | 30% of the way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Rhyd Ddu westbound public path, LL54 6TN |
| Start grid reference | SH 559 524 |
| Summit grid reference | SH 511 495 |
| Parking | Rhyd Ddu station car park (SH571527); the postcode is approximate |
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu map
The track from the start (green) to the summit (blue), with a marker at each kilometre.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Cwellyn Arms1.1 km
- Tŷ Mawr1.1 km
- Public toilets1.2 km
- Public toilets1.8 km
- Public toilets1.8 km
- Cwellyn Arms Campsite1.8 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
Download the Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu GPX
Ascent only: plan your way down. A planning track, not checked on the ground; it doesn't show safe scrambling moves. Track data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), heights from a terrain model.
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu kilometre by kilometre
Height, climb and average gradient for each kilometre of the track, with a grid reference at the end of each one to check your position on the map.
| At | Height | Climb | Gradient | Grid ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km | 582 m | +268 m | 27% steep | SH 551 526 |
| 2 km | 638 m | +56 m | 6% | SH 548 517 |
| 3 km | 583 m | -55 m | -6% | SH 540 513 |
| 4 km | 590 m | +7 m | 1% | SH 534 509 |
| 5 km | 611 m | +21 m | 2% | SH 527 504 |
| 6 km | 682 m | +71 m | 7% | SH 519 500 |
| 7 km | 689 m | +7 m | 1% | SH 511 495 |
| 7.1 km | 685 m | -3 m | -5% | SH 511 495 |
How long Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 25m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 45m | 4h 10m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 5h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
Garnedd-goch summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 42 mph gusting 52 mph, 92% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:07, sunset 16:54.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 41 mph, 63% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:09, sunset 16:52.
Best day of the next seven for Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu: Tuesday 3 November, with summit gusts around 11 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Garnedd-goch forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Snowdonia forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 92% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 52 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Garnedd-goch
More about Garnedd-goch, with the live forecast.
Challenges that include Garnedd-goch
More walks from Rhyd Ddu westbound public path
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Craig Cwm Silyn
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Y Garn
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Mynydd Drws-y-coed
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Trum y Ddysgl
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd
- Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu up Mynydd Graig Goch
Other routes up Garnedd-goch
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nantlle Ridge from Nebo | 4.1 km one way | 530 m | 1h 40m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SH 559 524, the summit at SH 511 495), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu: questions and answers
How far is Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu?
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu is 7.1 km one way to the summit of Garnedd-goch. There and back by the same way is about 14.2 km.
How steep is Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu?
The steepest 500 m averages about 37%, starting 0.3 km from the start, and 30% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5. Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu climbs 774 m in all on the track.
Where do you park for Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu?
Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu starts from Rhyd Ddu westbound public path (postcode LL54 6TN). The grid reference is SH 559 524. Rhyd Ddu station car park (SH571527); the postcode is approximate
Is Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day.
Is there a GPX for Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu?
Yes. Download it from this page. It is an ascent-only planning track from the start to the summit, plotted on OpenStreetMap paths and not checked on the ground.