Beddgelert via the north-east ridge up Moel Hebog: route map, distance and time
784 m · Snowdonia
Moel Hebog is the big hill rising behind Beddgelert in Snowdonia, climbed by a steady ridge path with views across to Yr Wyddfa.
A path up the north-east ridge to the summit.
The Beddgelert via the north-east ridge starts at about 45 m and gains 716 m over 3.8 km to 762 m on the track. The first kilometre climbs 35 m. The steepest kilometre is the one ending at 3 km, which climbs 305 m at an average of 31%, with a 500 m stretch from 2.8 km at about 37%. It keeps climbing at 30% to the top. About 49% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5, so expect hands-on-knees going and a slow descent.
Beddgelert via the north-east ridge at a glance
| Distance | 3.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 740 m |
| Climb on the track | 716 m up, 0 m down on the way |
| Start and top of the track | 42 m to 762 m (summit 784 m) |
| Steepest 500 m | About 37%, from 2.8 km |
| Steeper than 1 in 5 | 49% of the way |
| Time up | 2h 0m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Beddgelert village main car park, LL55 4YJ |
| Start grid reference | SH 588 481 |
| Summit grid reference | SH 565 469 |
| Parking | Beddgelert village main car park; the postcode is approximate |
Beddgelert via the north-east ridge 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
- Saracens Head0.1 km
- Prince Llewelyn0.2 km
- Tanronnen Inn0.2 km
- Parlwr Hufen Iâ Glaslyn0.2 km
- Caffi Colwyn0.2 km
- Tŷ Coets0.2 km
- Public toilets0.1 km
- Public toilets0.3 km
- Public toilets1.4 km
- Cae Du Campsite1.1 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
Download the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge 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.
Beddgelert via the north-east ridge 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 | 80 m | +35 m | 4% | SH 582 481 |
| 2 km | 227 m | +147 m | 15% | SH 575 480 |
| 3 km | 533 m | +305 m | 31% steep | SH 569 473 |
| 3.8 km | 762 m | +229 m | 30% steep | SH 564 469 |
How long the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 2h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 25m | 3h 25m |
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.
- Today: sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:14. Start by 14:29 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:12. Start by 14:27 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Moel Hebog summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Moel Hebog right now. The main Moel Hebog page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Moel Hebog forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Snowdonia forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Moel Hebog
Moel Hebog is the big hill rising behind Beddgelert in Snowdonia, climbed by a steady ridge path with views across to Yr Wyddfa. More about Moel Hebog, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Moel yr Ogof (655 m), 1.3 km north-west
- Moel Lefn (638 m), 2 km north-west
Challenges that include Moel Hebog
More walks from Beddgelert village main car park
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Beddgelert via Moel Hebog up Moel yr Ogof
- Beddgelert via Moel Hebog up Moel Lefn
Other routes up Moel Hebog
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhyd Ddu via Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof | 6.8 km one way | 760 m | 2h 40m | Hard |
| Cwm Pennant via Moel Lefn and Moel yr Ogof | 5.8 km one way | 770 m | 2h 25m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SH 588 481, the summit at SH 565 469), 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.
Beddgelert via the north-east ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge?
The Beddgelert via the north-east ridge is 3.8 km one way to the summit of Moel Hebog, with 740 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 7.6 km.
How long does the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge take?
About 2h 0m to the summit of Moel Hebog and 2h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 25m for the round trip.
How steep is the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge?
The steepest 500 m averages about 37%, starting 2.8 km from the start, and 49% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5. The Beddgelert via the north-east ridge climbs 716 m in all on the track.
Where do you park for the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge?
The Beddgelert via the north-east ridge starts from Beddgelert village main car park (postcode LL55 4YJ). The grid reference is SH 588 481. Beddgelert village main car park; the postcode is approximate
Is the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge today?
By 14:29 at the latest. Sunset on Moel Hebog today is 18:14, The Beddgelert via the north-east ridge takes about 2h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Beddgelert via the north-east ridge?
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.