The Rhinogydd of Snowdonia are the national park’s most wild peaks, characterised by hard, sedimentary rock, snagging heather and awkward terrain. Hikes to Rhinog Fawr take you to the most distinctive of these rough-and-ready mountains, an absolute delight if you love an expedition amongst a spectacular, challenging and secluded landscape. This is Snowdonia for the hardy aficionado.

A rough diamond at the heart of Snowdonia’s wildest range

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Rhinog National Nature Reserve

Save

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

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Rhinog Fawr Summit Cairn

4.5

(32)

167

hikers

1. Rhinog Fawr and Bwlch Drws Ardudwy loop — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

9.80km

03:15

450m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

2. Rhinog Fawr ascent — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

8.95km

03:04

460m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

hikers

3. Rhinog Fach to Y Lethr — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

17.9km

07:41

1,460m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Tips

Trail Magazine

December 13, 2019

This is the rough part of Snowdonia. Not ‘trolleys in the canal’ rough, but a craggy, vegetated, wild kind of rugged. Stick to the paths, such as the Roman Steps (actually a medieval packhorse route) for the easiest going, or head off the beaten track to tackle the heather and rocks for full-on adventure.

Samwise

April 2, 2019

Great Summit Cairn.

Translated by Google •

Clive G

September 27, 2025

The Rhinogs are rightly recognised as being the roughest hills in Wales, so any ascent should bear that in mind. The easiest and clearest route is from the East, starting from the small car park at the end of the lane off the A470. This route is easy to follow and relatively easy to walk. The routes from the west include very difficult walking and few paths.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 770 m

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Tuesday 20 January

8°C

3°C

92 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 37.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Pistyll Gwyn Waterfall

Y Llethr

Maentwrog Dam

Pistyll Gain (Rhaeadr Mawddach) Waterfall

Mawddach Trail and Barmouth Bridge

Precipice Walk

Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve

Llyn Cynwch

Maes-y-Garnedd Farmhouse

Rhosydd Chapel Ruins

Barmouth Bridge

Coed Ganllwyd Waterfalls

Rhinog Fawr Summit Cairn

1. Rhinog Fawr and Bwlch Drws Ardudwy loop — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

2. Rhinog Fawr ascent — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

3. Rhinog Fach to Y Lethr — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️