Llyn y Gadair – Hafod Ruffydd Viewpoint loop from Dolgarth Dol-Ifan-Gethin Slate Quarry

Hiking trails & Routes

Llyn y Gadair – Hafod Ruffydd Viewpoint loop from Dolgarth Dol-Ifan-Gethin Slate Quarry

Hard

5.0

(1)

hikers

Llyn y Gadair – Hafod Ruffydd Viewpoint loop from Dolgarth Dol-Ifan-Gethin Slate Quarry

09:04

28.5km

1,080m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 3.70 km for 385 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.89 km

Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd East Ridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd's beguiling east ridge is one of the most entertaining section of the Nantlle Ridge traverse. A grassy arete that connects Trum y Ddysgl to Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd, it narrows to a slim, green sliver before broadening out again and ascending. While airy, the traverse is a walk rather than a scramble but a head for heights is still required.

Tip by

4.37 km

Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd Summit and Obelisk

Highlight • Viewpoint

The obelisk here is very substantial and the views glorious on a sky blue day doing the Nantlle Ridge.

Tip by

11.1 km

Nant y Betws

Forest

13.4 km

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

13.8 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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16.8 km

Beddgelert Forest Wooden Archway

Highlight • Forest

You start a hike in this forest by walking under a kind of gate. A nice start.

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20.9 km

Beddgelert Railway Station

Highlight • Structure

Beddgelert station is a railway station on the narrow gauge railway of the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales.
The rebuilt station was officially opened by Lord Elis-Thomas on April 7, 2009.
(Wikipedia)

Translated by Google •

Tip by

23.9 km