The best mountain hikes around Llyn Padarn

For those who go up by train and also come down again: there is only half an hour to go all the way to the summit. The path there is not difficult, but the crowds.....that makes time tight.

Along the paths, you will regularly find rows of fallen trees, felled by strong gusts of wind.

planned to take this route but parking is scarce, so be careful

Crib Goch is a super “exciting” Grade 1 scramble, but it is important to know your abilities and manage the risks of traversing this amazing ridge. Crib Goch is one of the best ridges of its kind and grade anywhere in the UK. It has great scrambling, with some famous arete sections. On a grade one scramble you will need to use your hands on the rock, and on Crib Goch you will do this often. Traversing the ridge on a sunny day is a marvellous experience; on a cold winter day, or in bad weather, it can be perilous without the appropriate equipment. While often straightforward, Grade 1 scrambles still carry risk due to height and exposure, and they should not be taken for granted, especially in poor weather.

The best view to be had of these two lakes is from the Crib Goch, and they will be a long way below you.

The Bwlch Main (south west ridge) is a great way to descend from the summit of Snowdon, particularly on a winter's day. Great views all the way to the Irish Sea

Solid path underfoot here

The ridge section of the Rhyd Ddu is a wonderful quieter and scenic route up Snowdon. After a steady climb from Rhyd Ddu village through moorland and old quarry terrain, the path climbs up onto the broad shoulder of Llechog, then narrows and becomes more dramatic across Bwlch Main. It’s here that the hike shifts from a hillwalk to a true mountain experience, with big drops, wide views, and an airy sense of exposure. 👁️‍🗨️ West over Llyn Cwellyn, the Nantlle Ridge, and Moel Hebog. South into Cwm Llan with its waterfalls and quarry ruins. North across to Crib Goch and Garnedd Ugain. 👥 Compared with the Pyg or Llanberis routes, the ridge here is far less busy, often giving you space to take it in without jostling crowds. ⚠️ Llechog has sheer cliffs to the west; Bwlch Main narrows with steep drops. Those nervous of heights may find it challenging but not impossible, it’s narrower than broad ridges like the Llanberis path, but much less extreme than Crib Goch. 🌬️ Wind makes this section serious; gusts on Bwlch Main can be dangerous. 😶‍🌫️ Mist reduces visibility, making navigation tricky and increasing the psychological challenge. ❄️ In winter, ice and snow turn the ridge into a mountaineering route. Do not attempt unless you have enough experience and the appropriate equipment. 🥾The path is rocky and uneven in places; care is needed, especially on descent when tired. To sum up: The Rhyd Ddu Ridge section is the jewel of the Rhyd Ddu Path, a place where you feel the full scale and drama of Snowdon without the crowds or the knife-edge exposure of Crib Goch. It’s a route for hikers who want a wild, scenic, and adventurous approach to the summit, while still keeping it within the bounds of a challenging walk rather than a scramble. (Albeit there are some light scrambling sections)