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Llyn y Gadair – Moel Lefn loop from Rhyd-ddu

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Hiking trails & Routes

Llyn y Gadair – Moel Lefn loop from Rhyd-ddu

Hard

5.0

(1)

hikers

Llyn y Gadair – Moel Lefn loop from Rhyd-ddu

05:23

15.3km

660m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

684 m

Rhyd Ddu Path

Highlight • Viewpoint

With the spectacular Snowdon Massif to the east, the Nantlle Ridge rising dramatically to the west and the grand Moel Hebog and family to the south, Rhyd Ddu is simply a fantastic basecamp for hiking adventures in Snowdonia. It is a wonder that relatively few people come here.

The Rhyd Ddu Path up Snowdon leaves from the village, whilst the Snowdon Ranger begins just to the north by Llyn Cwellyn. Snowdon's exciting but quiet South Ridge is accessible from here too. Meanwhile, to the west, the Nantlle Ridge is a sensational ridge walk with some low-end scrambling.

After a day on the trails, the Cwellyn Arms is a great pub with a host of accommodation options. You can also hop on the charming West Highland Railway from the village.

Tip by

1.12 km

Llyn y Gadair

Highlight • Viewpoint

This lake is located near the village of Rhyd-ddu (not at the foot of Cadair Idris mountain). The lake has a surface area of 50 hectares and is situated 182 meters above sea level. According to John Leland in the 16th century, the original name was "Llyn Cadair yr Aur Frychin". The lake became famous through the sonnet Tyr Ysgol (The school building) by the poet TH Parry-Williams.
(Wikipedia)

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Tip by

1.68 km

Ruined Stone Cottage in Eryri National Park

Highlight • Structure

Remains of local slate mining. All small quarries in the area are now closed and agriculture and tourism are the main economic activities.
(Information board on site)

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5.15 km

Hafod Ruffydd Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Interesting bit of history, a great little lung busting hill sprint at the highest point of the sidmouth to budleigh trail for me.

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8.21 km

Moel yr Ogof Summit

Highlight • Climb

Moel yr Ogof was named after the legendary Owain Glyndwr's hiding place. This cave is located on the grassy ledge that leads from the asbestos mine around the front of the buttress. It is possible to traverse around to the cave, although it is a bit airy. Many people mistakenly think that the asbestos mine is the cave.

The story is that Owain Glyndwr climbed the cliff and hid in the cave for a number of weeks when he was in hiding from the English after his revolt petered out. If true, it is the first recorded rock climb in North Wales.

Tip by

9.13 km

Moel Lefn

Highlight • Viewpoint

If you have time after conquering Moel Hebog and Moel Yr Ogof, there are more great views from this subsidiary peak. To extend your day you could also stride out towards the wonderful Nantlle Ridge.

Tip by

11.1 km

Quarry Village Ruins

Highlight • Structure

12.4 km

Forest Path in Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Highlight • Trail

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

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Tip by

15.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.41 km

3.28 km

1.27 km

1.21 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.25 km

4.33 km

2.32 km

1.72 km

981 m

494 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (620 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Tuesday 23 June

27°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Llyn y Gadair – Moel Lefn loop from Rhyd-ddu

Rhyd Ddu Path

Llyn y Gadair

Ruined Stone Cottage in Eryri National Park

Hafod Ruffydd Viewpoint

Moel yr Ogof Summit

Moel Lefn

Quarry Village Ruins

Forest Path in Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

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