🥾 A quieter and less famous than Crib Goch approach to Snowdon but offers a similar sense of mountain drama, without the technical scrambling (albeit some light scrambling involved). The approach includes grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and finally a rugged ridge walk that demands concentration. The ascent is long and relentless. By the time you reach the ridge crest, you’ll feel you’ve earned it. Pathfinding is mostly straightforward, but mist can make the route across grassy shoulders and quarry tracks confusing lower down
👁️🗨️ To the west: Moel Hebog, the Nantlle Ridge, and out to the coast.
To the east: the deep bowl of Cwm Llan with its waterfalls and quarry ruins.
Ahead: the sharp continuation to Bwlch Main and the summit.
👥 Much quieter than the Llanberis or Pyg/Miners routes. The ridge gives that wild, almost alpine feeling of solitude
⚠️ You will need. a good head for heights as some of the path narrows to about 2 feet wide with dramatic drop on each side. There are couple of light scrambling sections. You will need a good head for heights! And some boots with good grips for some looser rock or scree sections.
Check the mountain forecast before heading out
🌬️ In high winds, the ridge can feel intimidating and unsafe.
🌧️❄️In ice, snow, or heavy rain, the narrow path and sloping rock become treacherous.
😶🌫️ Cloud / fog can reduce visibility and make it psychologically harder.
To sum up: Allt Maenderyn (the South Ridge) is one of the finest routes up Snowdon: quiet, scenic, dramatic, and just exposed enough to feel adventurous without being technical. It gives you the ridge-walking thrill of the mountain without the knife-edge danger of Crib Goch.
If you want a wilder, less crowded way to the summit with sweeping views and a genuine mountain atmosphere, the South Ridge is a superb choice.