Bwlch y Ddeufaen up Tal y Fan: route map, distance and time
610 m · Snowdonia
Tal y Fan is the last hill at the northern end of the Carneddau, a rocky ridge above the Conwy valley with standing stones near Bwlch y Ddeufaen.
A path follows a wall up the ridge to the summit.
Bwlch y Ddeufaen at a glance
| Distance | 2.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 232 m |
| Time up | 0h 50m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 15m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Bwlch y Ddeufaen road end |
| Start grid reference | SH 714 718 |
| Summit grid reference | SH 729 726 |
Bwlch y Ddeufaen map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Bwlch y Ddeufaen takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 40m | 1h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 15m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 30m |
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 07:47, sunset 18:13. Start by 15:58 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:11. Start by 15:56 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Tal y Fan summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Partly cloudy, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 13 mph gusting 20 mph, 16% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:13.
-
Good Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Slight rain, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 24 mph gusting 30 mph, 45% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:11.
Best day of the next seven for Bwlch y Ddeufaen: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 20 mph and a 16% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Tal y Fan forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Tal y Fan?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Snowdonia forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- 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 Tal y Fan
Tal y Fan is the last hill at the northern end of the Carneddau, a rocky ridge above the Conwy valley with standing stones near Bwlch y Ddeufaen. More about Tal y Fan, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn.
Challenges that include Tal y Fan
More walks from Bwlch y Ddeufaen road end
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Bwlch y Ddeufaen via Drum up Foel-fras
Other routes up Tal y Fan
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South ascent from Bwlch y Ddeufaen | 1.6 km one way | 220 m | 0h 40m | Hard |
| Rowen via Cae Coch | 3.8 km one way | 460 m | 1h 30m | Hard |
| Sychnant Pass and northern ridge | 4.7 km one way | 390 m | 1h 35m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SH 714 718, the summit at SH 729 726), 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.
Bwlch y Ddeufaen: questions and answers
How far is Bwlch y Ddeufaen?
Bwlch y Ddeufaen is 2.1 km one way to the summit of Tal y Fan, with 232 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 4.2 km.
How long does Bwlch y Ddeufaen take?
About 0h 50m to the summit of Tal y Fan and 1h 15m 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 1h 30m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Bwlch y Ddeufaen?
Bwlch y Ddeufaen starts from Bwlch y Ddeufaen road end. The grid reference is SH 714 718.
Is Bwlch y Ddeufaen suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Bwlch y Ddeufaen today?
By 15:58 at the latest. Sunset on Tal y Fan today is 18:13, Bwlch y Ddeufaen takes about 1h 15m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Bwlch y Ddeufaen?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).