The Rhyd Ddu Track (and the lesser known Pitts Head track)

Directions:- The Pitts Head Track starts on the A4086 (Caernarfon to Beddgelert road) at Pitts Head by the Beddgelert Forest. Follow the track to a farm at Ffridd Uchaf, pass through the farmyard, then bear left beside a wall and follow the line until you join the Rhyd Ddu path.

The Rhyd Ddu track starts at the south end of the village of Rhyd Ddu on the A4086 (Caernarfon to Beddgelert road) Head up the quarry road and pass through the gate beside the farm. Head up the track until you join the Pitts Head path, where you bear left up to Llechog.

The Rhyd Ddu track then climbs gradually northeast over open fell to the western extremity of Llechog ridge. Where the track is faint a line of small cairns obligingly marks the way. Turn right along edge of steep north face of Llechog (the tarn of Cwm Clogwyn is too the left). Continue up the ridge of Llechog, which becomes narrower as you approach the razor-edge ridge of Bwlch Main – although the path is good and safe. The path broadens and you are joined by the Watkin path from the right before reaching the Snowdon summit.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- The Rhyd Ddu is one of the most popular – and easier - paths up Snowdon. A vigorous days walk from Plas-y-Nant is up the Rhyd Ddu path and down the Snowdon Ranger.

Consider using the newly opened Welsh Highland Railway between Rhyd Ddu, Snowdon Ranger and Plas-y-Nant / Betws Garmon.