The Nantlle Ridge

Paul Shorrock

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The Nantlle Ridge may not be as long or as high as some of the better-known ridge walks in Wales, but it packs a lot of drama and interest into a small space. The spectacle of Y Garn from Rhyd Ddu or Nantlle promises a good deal and doesn't disappoint, with great views, good ridge-walking and an exciting scramble.

The way that Y Garn rears up also indicates a strenuous start to the walk and this turns out to be the case. Most would agree that Rhyd Ddu is the best place to start. From there it's a short distance to the steep slopes of Y Garn, but these are relatively small hills compared with some of their neighbours and it doesn't take too much time or effort to get to the summit.

The next bit of the ridge is up Mynydd Drws y Coed and includes the best of the scrambling. This isn't very difficult, nor is it very long unfortunately, but it's a fine mountaineering line. If you want to try the delights of ridge scrambling for the first time, this bit is easily accessible in approach (or retreat if things get too frantic). It does have some big drops though and accidents have happened here in the past, so it's a place to exercise care, especially in wet conditions when the rock can feel quite greasy. Novice scramblers should really go with an experienced companion.

After Mynydd Drws y Coed the technical stuff is mainly over, apart from the occasional rock encounter, but the drama continues with soaring ridges and great views. It's the beguiling kind of ridge that makes you want to keep on walking, and at Mynydd Tal y Mignedd there is a decision to be made. This route takes you back to Rhyd Ddu, avoiding the logistical problems of different start and finish points, but it is possible to continue to the village of Nebo on a good linear walk. Details of how this can be done are included in the 'Route Description' and 'Access Information' sections.

Whichever option you decide on, you are guaranteed a great day out on one of the little gems of North Wales.

Wales - North Wales - Gwynedd - Snowdonia

Features

Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets
5/28/2012 - Robert Cooper

Having not done this walk for a long time, I was really excited to be back. The line, the scrambling and situation are unparallelled by any ridge of this height in the region. There is more scrambling providing interesting pitches of about diff standard if you take in the whole ridge going on to Craig Cwm Silyn. The visual experience of Cwm Silyn with some famous climbs on the buttresses its amazing. A VERY worth while route.