The enticing ridge of Mynydd Drws y Coed, the highlight of this route

If you want to experience Crib Nantlle but don’t have time or the logistics for the full linear route, then this shorter circular route is a great taster, with the short but exhilarating scramble across Mynydd Drws y Coed and a gentle descent through the Beddgelert Forest.

Need to Know

Best time to walk: Best avoided in strong wind. In winter conditions this is for experienced winter mountaineers only. These hills often have different weather to the rest of Eryri thanks to their proximity to the sea.

Map: OS Explorer, OL 17 Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa

Start: Rhyd Ddu car park / train station / bus stop SH 571 525

End: As start

Distance / Time: 8.5 km / 5.5 miles

Ascent: 650 m

Transport / Parking: Pay & display National Park car park. Steam train stop on the Porthmadog - Caernarfon route. S3 Sherpa bus from Caernarfon.

Food / Drink / Supplies: Great pub Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu, as is Ty Mawr tea room. Toilets at the start and end.

The Route

View route map (you will need an OS Maps online account to access it.)

From the car park, cross the road and go through a gate onto a flat, level track. After crossing a bridge, there is the option to turn left or right, take the right-hand path, which meets the b-road. Here turn left and cross fields on the path, climbing gradually at first then more steeply, until you reach a stile and enter the open access land. Here a very steep, but straightforward path leads you directly west, uphill. Grassier slopes eventually turn into steep craggy cliffs on the northern slope of Y Garn. The path stays close to these cliffs until the boulders are reached. You can skirt to the south of the boulder field but keep travelling west until you reach a large stone wall.

Nearing the summit of Y Garn, with exceptional views of Llyn y Dywarchen and Yr Wyddfa. Middle right is the car park and trail leading towards the beginning of the climb.

View from the Cairns on Y Garn, looking towards the arete of Mynydd Drws y Coed

After crossing the stone wall, the large cairns, now shelters, are found to the northern end of the summit of Y Garn. The views up here out over the Nantlle valley, towards Pen Llyn and Caernarfon Bay are exceptional. The stone wall heading south provides a helpful feature to follow towards the increasingly narrow ridge of Mynydd Drws y Coed. The path does cling perilously close to the edge so do keep your wits about you.

The route from Y Garn, heading south towards Mynydd Drws y Coed

Approaching the short, airy scramble on Mynydd Drws y Coed

At the top of Trum y Ddysgyl, just before turning to head down Bwlch y ddwy elor

Descending the broad grassy ridge with Beddgelert forest to the left, Cwm Pennant to the right and Moel Hebog ahead.

Once across the ridge of Mynydd Drws y Coed, the path hugs the steep cliffs to the right, reaching a wider plateau at the top of Trum y Ddysgl, our high point for the day being some ten metres higher than Mynydd Drws y Coed. From here a broad grassy ridge descends towards Bwlch y ddwy elol. In good weather this is immensely enjoyable walking, with exceptional views out to Cardigan Bay, and a great view of Moel Hebog and Moel yr Ogof, which look impressive from this vantage! Beddgelert forest sprawls out through the valley to the left. Once you reach the Bwlch, which will be very obvious as you are forced to decide between turning left or right as the alternative is a sheer rocky cliff. Turn left, through a narrow gap and follow the path into the forest.

Beddgelert Forest and Llyn y Gadair beyond (Yr Wyddfa just in cloud)

In the forest, the path becomes a track, and it winds downhill, reaching a junction of tracks. Take the one that is heading off left ahead of you, north, not the one heading east. Ignore further turnings, and keep travelling north west. The OS map is not entirely accurate here, so follow the signposts and path on the ground north-north west to reach a gate into open ground. Continue on the path which skirts the hillside, crossing a couple of streams and staying close to the steep ground on the left. This path will lead you back to the beginning of the route, meeting it at the point where you began the steep climb up Y Garn earlier. Retrace your steps to return to Rhyd Ddu.

Please note this route is for information and inspiration only and we can’t be held responsible for any inaccuracies or problems arising. As this is rough mountain terrain you should take a paper map and compass and be able to use them. Please be Adventure Smart.

Grib Nantlle (Nantlle Ridge) Circular Alternative - Y Garn, Mynydd Drws y Coed and Trum y Ddysgl