Y Lliwedd
A challenging mountain ridge in Snowdonia offering exhilarating scrambles and breathtaking panoramic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best visibility & fewer crowds
Y Lliwedd
Best Time
Best visibility & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging mountain ridge in Snowdonia offering exhilarating scrambles and breathtaking panoramic views.
"Amazing hike/scramble, not a walk if you don’t like sheer drops."
GPS is Your Friend
Paths can be tricky to spot. Download OS maps or use GPS for navigation. :iphone:
Scrambling Gear Recommended
While not extreme, some scrambling is involved. Good grip footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Y Lliwedd Ridge
The main ridge connecting to Snowdon
A dramatic, exposed ridge offering exhilarating scrambling and breathtaking panoramic views of Snowdonia.
Watkin Path Ascent
Southern approach to Y Lliwedd
A rewarding path with a manageable scramble near the summit, leading to stunning waterfall views.

Snowdonia Horseshoe
Circuit including Y Lliwedd and Snowdon
An iconic, challenging circular route offering a full immersion into the dramatic beauty of Eryri.
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Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Y Lliwedd
Timing Your Y Lliwedd Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
GPS is Your Friend
Paths can be tricky to spot. Download OS maps or use GPS for navigation. :iphone:
Scrambling Gear Recommended
While not extreme, some scrambling is involved. Good grip footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather Daily
Conditions change rapidly. Fog and rain make navigation difficult and increase risks. :cloud:
Consider a Guided Hike
For less experienced hikers, a guided tour ensures safety and highlights the best routes. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
GPS is Your Friend
Paths can be tricky to spot. Download OS maps or use GPS for navigation. :iphone:
Scrambling Gear Recommended
While not extreme, some scrambling is involved. Good grip footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather Daily
Conditions change rapidly. Fog and rain make navigation difficult and increase risks. :cloud:
Consider a Guided Hike
For less experienced hikers, a guided tour ensures safety and highlights the best routes. :hiking_boot:
Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this demanding hike. Water sources are limited on the higher sections. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Y Lliwedd is lauded as an amazing hike and scramble, offering stunning views that many find more enjoyable than Yr Wyddfa. However, it's crucial to note it's not a casual walk due to sheer drops and tricky paths, requiring good navigation skills and fitness.
"Amazing hike/ scramble. Not a walk if you don’t like sheer drops. Paths late often tricky to spot so gps, or downloaded OS maps required. Once off the ridge the path is fine."
Jake Miller
"Great views!! Took us about two hours up to complete up the Watkins Path. Very manageable bit scrambly for the last 30 mins up but worth it!"
freya x
"I'm a fit person so the hiking was not difficult for me. I've enjoyed it much more than Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The view is stunning.
Glory to Ukraine!"
Olha Hutsul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Y Lliwedd is most commonly accessed via the Watkin Path or as part of the Snowdonia Horseshoe. The Watkin Path starts from Nant Gwynant, with parking available. For the Horseshoe, Pen-y-Pass car park is a popular starting point, though it can get very busy. Public transport options to the base of the mountains are limited, so driving or arranging a taxi is often necessary.
Yes, parking is available at trailheads like Nant Gwynant for the Watkin Path and Pen-y-Pass for the Snowdonia Horseshoe. These car parks can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and weekends. Arrive early or consider alternative transport.
While direct public transport to the immediate base of Y Lliwedd is limited, you can reach nearby villages like Llanberis or Nant Gwynant via bus services. From there, you may need to arrange local transport or a taxi to reach the specific trailheads.
Many recommend starting the Snowdonia Horseshoe clockwise from Pen-y-Pass. This route includes Y Lliwedd and offers a challenging but rewarding experience with incredible mountain scenery.
Snowdonia has some unique experiences, including the Snowdon Mountain Railway which takes you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), offering a different perspective of the landscape. However, this doesn't directly access Y Lliwedd's ridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to hike Y Lliwedd itself, as it's part of the natural landscape within Eryri National Park. However, parking at popular trailheads like Pen-y-Pass may incur fees.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is free to enter. The costs are typically associated with parking at specific trailheads or using visitor facilities.
Y Lliwedd is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking is only recommended during daylight hours and in safe weather conditions.
Yes, many local companies and independent guides offer guided hikes for Y Lliwedd and the Snowdonia Horseshoe. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are expected to follow the Countryside Code, respect the environment, and be prepared for challenging mountain conditions.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Y Lliwedd is considered a challenging hike and scramble, not a simple walk. It involves steep ascents, rocky terrain, and exposed ridges with sheer drops. It's best suited for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Layers of clothing are essential as the weather can change quickly. Waterproofs, a hat, and gloves are highly recommended, even in summer.
Y Lliwedd is generally not recommended for complete beginners due to its challenging terrain and exposure. Routes like the Watkin Path have a more manageable scramble near the top, but the ridge itself requires confidence and experience.
The views from Y Lliwedd are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Snowdonia's dramatic mountain landscapes, including lakes, valleys, and surrounding peaks. On a clear day, the views are truly breathtaking.
There are no facilities directly on Y Lliwedd itself. Basic facilities like toilets and cafes can be found at the visitor centres or car parks at the start of popular routes, such as Pen-y-Pass or Nant Gwynant.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for photography on Y Lliwedd, creating stunning silhouettes and golden hues. Clear days provide the best visibility for sweeping panoramas, while misty conditions can add an atmospheric, moody feel.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance skies and reduce glare.
The summit of Y Lliwedd itself offers incredible 360-degree views. The ridge line provides dramatic perspectives, and the lakes below can offer beautiful reflections.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower vantage point looking up can emphasize the height of the peaks.
Weather can be a significant challenge, with wind, rain, and fog affecting visibility and equipment. The rugged terrain also requires careful footing while composing shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking mountain adventures in Snowdonia, consider gentler routes like the Miner's Track or Pyg Track up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), or explore the lower-level paths around Beddgelert Forest. These offer beautiful scenery without the extreme risks associated with Y Lliwedd.
🧗 Experienced Hikers & Scramblers
Be prepared for exposed ridge walking and technical scrambling. While not extreme mountaineering, confidence on your feet and a good head for heights are essential. Navigation is key, so ensure you have reliable GPS or map-reading skills, especially if conditions are poor.
📸 Landscape Photographers
Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light. Be prepared for challenging weather, which can add a unique, moody atmosphere to your shots. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Y Lliwedd: Trails and Scrambles
Navigation can be a significant challenge, especially in poor weather. Many visitors emphasize the importance of GPS devices or downloaded offline maps as paths can be indistinct or difficult to follow. While the main ridge is a highlight, alternative, less exposed routes exist, offering flexibility for different skill levels. Always be prepared for the conditions and know your limits.
When planning your route, consider the clockwise ascent from Pen-y-Pass for the Snowdonia Horseshoe, which often includes Y Lliwedd. This approach provides a sustained challenge and breathtaking scenery throughout. Remember that even on clear days, the mountain environment can be unforgiving, so thorough preparation is key.
The Thrill of the Snowdonia Horseshoe
Hikers often describe the Horseshoe as an unforgettable experience, with the ridge walk over Y Lliwedd being a particular highlight. It involves significant scrambling and exposure, making it unsuitable for those with a fear of heights or limited mountain experience. The route typically takes between 6-10 hours to complete, depending on fitness and conditions.
Popular starting points include Pen-y-Pass, with a clockwise direction often recommended for a more progressive challenge. The views from the summits are consistently praised, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Welsh landscape. It's crucial to be well-equipped with appropriate gear, ample food and water, and a reliable navigation system.
Photography Opportunities at Y Lliwedd
When capturing the grandeur of Y Lliwedd, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape. Including elements like the lakes below or distant peaks can add depth and scale to your images. The ever-changing weather conditions in Snowdonia can also be a photographic asset, with mist and clouds adding a dramatic, atmospheric quality to shots.
Remember that photographing in such an environment requires careful planning. Ensure your camera gear is protected from the elements, and always prioritize safety while seeking the perfect shot. The views from the summit are unparalleled, offering a rewarding perspective for any photographer.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit