Llyn y Gadair – Llyn Llywelyn loop from Rhyd-ddu

Hiking trails & Routes

Llyn y Gadair – Llyn Llywelyn loop from Rhyd-ddu

Moderate

4.6

(9)

hikers

Llyn y Gadair – Llyn Llywelyn loop from Rhyd-ddu

03:01

10.8km

220m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

568 m

Rhyd Ddu railway crossing

Highlight • Structure

Stop, look out and listen are the recommendations (to be read on the sign) that you must follow when crossing the track here. It is an unguarded crossing on this railway for tourist trains.

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Tip by

1.13 km

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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1.69 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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2.20 km

Rhyd-Ddu to Beddgelert Gravel Path

Highlight • Forest

Very well-maintained gravel path from the forests of Beddgelert via the lake Llyn y Gadair to Rhyd-ddu.

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4.14 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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5.45 km

View of Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Highlight • Trail

During a walk through Beddgelert Forest, you get a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

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5.87 km

Llyn Llywelyn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Llyn Llywelyn is a small shallow mountain lake surrounded by open moorland and forests. It is a natural spot to pause, picnic and soak up the serene atmosphere before continuing your walk.

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Tip by

10.1 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

10.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.49 km

618 m

250 m

201 m

151 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.56 km

2.41 km

506 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (310 m)

Lowest point (150 m)

Weather

Monday 5 October

15°C

9°C

-- %

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Comments

March 24, 2023,Beddgelert forest loop

When its rainy and windy... stay low and head for the forest 🌲 great walk and hardly anyone around. Thanks to Llyn Leisure for the forest recommendation. Great place to stay nearby in a caravan or camping and ideal for exploring Snowdonia llynleisure.com