Top 16 Mountain Passes around Dolwyddelan

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

🥾Bwlch Main (Welsh: “narrow pass”) is the exposed ridge that connects the upper slopes of the Rhyd Ddu Path to the Snowdon summit. A narrow crest with steep drops on either side, making it both dramatic and challenging. The ridge is roughly 500–600m long and feels like a true alpine section compared with the grassy and stony lower parts of the trail. 👥 Quiet & scenic: Unlike the “motorway” feel of the Llanberis Path, Bwlch Main gives a real mountain experience with the thrill of exposure. For experienced hikers seeking an exhilarating experience, it significantly quieter (albeit much easier) than Crib Goch. 👁️‍🗨️ On a clear day you can see the Nantlle Ridge, Moel Hebog, and across to the sea. Looking north, Llyn Cwellyn and the ridges rolling out towards Anglesey. ⚠️ Dramatic ridgeline section: The path to the top of Snowdon from this ridge includes the Llechog ridge, which provide exposure (drops, narrower path sections) the narrow section gets to only a couple of feet wide. You will need a good head for heights! And some boots with good grips for some looser rock or scree sections. Check the mountain forecast before heading out 🌬️ In high winds, the ridge can feel intimidating and unsafe. 🌧️❄️In ice, snow, or heavy rain, the narrow path and sloping rock become treacherous. 😶‍🌫️ Cloud / fog can reduce visibility and make it psychologically harder. To sum up: The Bwlch Main ridge is one of Snowdon’s most thrilling features. It adds a real sense of adventure to the Rhyd Ddu Path. On a good day, it’s a highlight: airy, beautiful, and memorable without being a true scramble. But in poor weather, it can turn from exhilarating to dangerous very quickly. For experienced walkers in fair conditions, it’s one of the most rewarding routes to the summit. For those with vertigo or less mountain experience, it may be better admired from afar.

Rainbows on mountains tend to be a mixed blessing as they are a pretty sure sign that you are about to get wet! However from the photographers point of view they can also signal some great light, with sun mixed in with dark moody clouds. This was the view from near the summit of Cnicht - otherwise sometimes called the Welsh Matterhorn due to its pointy appearance from the village of Croesor. To the right of the picture is Moel Hebog which rises steeply above the pictuesque village of Beddgelert.

A fine rocky and in places narrow ridge, and you will often have it all to yourself!

Beautiful hike, too bad it was cloudy at the top. 12.3 km isn't the actual distance you'll be hiking: it's definitely 10 km more because you can't walk a straight line on this path. It's very busy on this trail; there's a queue to reach the top.

Crazy hiking all the way up and then seeing a train pass you on the final section!

If you want to park here, you have to reserve a parking space in advance for 20 GBP. We didn't manage to do it, as everything was fully booked. You can then park in Llanberies and take the Sherpa Bus S1 or S2 to Pen y Pass. The bus runs every half hour. From Pen y Pass, you can then choose the Miner's Track or Pyg Track. Have fun!

Currently parking is pre-booking only! All others are directed to the P+R in the village and need to get up by bus or walk.