This is the secluded and wild side of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Its relative tranquillity is not because of the quality of the hiking (which is superb), but because it takes you away from the honeypots of Llanberis and the Pen-y-Pass towards the quieter pastures of Rhyd-Ddu and Nantgwynant.

Allt Maenderyn — often referred to as the south ridge — makes for a sublime, airy ridge walk that doesn't quite qualify as scrambling territory. The arête makes for a magnificent hike though, with shapely Yr Aran, bulky Moel Hebog and the sinuous Crib Nantlle (Nantlle Ridge) all forming the backdrop.

51m

March 10, 2023

Running

Allt Maenderyn is commonly known as The South Ridge of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It's an exhilarating route, well away from the busier Llanberis and Pen y Pass sides of the mountain. The path crosses an airy ridgeline, without the technical terrain of Crib Goch.

The main ridge starts at Bwlch Cwm Llan below Yr Arran and heads up to join the Rhydd-Ddu path and the Bwlch Main ridge to the summit. The terrain isn’t too technical but parts are fairly exposed, so care should be taken in high winds.

Eleanor Jaskowska

January 16, 2020

Hiking

Approach Snowdon's summit from the south side, this lesser known approach along Allt Maenderyn is quite technical with lots of scrambling. There is one particular pitch where you are just climbing up a shallow rock face but the rest of it is quite an easy path to follow. A great way of avoiding the crowds!

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#2.

Snowdon & Yr Aran loop on the Rhyd-Ddu path

14.6km

05:28

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Hike the difficult 9.1-mile Snowdon & Yr Aran loop on the Rhyd-Ddu path, gaining 3243 feet with stunning mountain views.

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5.0

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#3.

Llanberis Path – Bwlch Main Ridge loop from Llanberis

24.2km

09:51

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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Details

Informations

Distance 1.56 km

Uphill 320 m

Weather

Wednesday 1 April

8°C

2°C

19 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Beddgelert, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Bwlch Main: Junction of Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

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View of Crib Goch from Llyn Llydaw

Allt Maenderyn (South Ridge of Snowdon)

#1.

Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park

#2.

Snowdon & Yr Aran loop on the Rhyd-Ddu path

#3.

Llanberis Path – Bwlch Main Ridge loop from Llanberis

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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