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Y Lliwedd

4.9
·15 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear Summer Mornings

Best visibility & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Y Lliwedd - Image 1

Y Lliwedd

Best Time

Clear Summer Mornings

Best visibility & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.9
(15 reviews)

"Amazing hike/scramble, not a walk if you don’t like sheer drops."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Y Lliwedd Ridge

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

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

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

Y Lliwedd is a challenging mountain, not a casual walk. Expect steep ascents and potential scrambles, especially on the ridge. Navigation can be tricky; GPS or downloaded maps are essential. It's often included in the Snowdonia Horseshoe, offering stunning views but demanding fitness and experience.

Timing Your Y Lliwedd Adventure

Clear weather is crucial for enjoying Y Lliwedd's spectacular views and for safe navigation. Avoid foggy or wet conditions, which can make paths difficult to spot and increase the risk of slips. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for photography, but always check the forecast.

Best Times

When
Clear Summer Mornings
Why
Best visibility & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn Afternoons
Why
Golden light & stunning colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (avoiding holidays)
Why
Fewer people on trails
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Watch out for the sheep. #promomakanliburan #mtblove #mtblifestyle #mtb #snowdonia #makemefamous #makeup #make #cymru #specializedbicycles #eryrinationalpark #gmbn #mtbviralvideos #mtbviral #gopromax #forests #snowdonia_north_wales #cyclinglife #northwales #snowdon #failarmy #failarmy #failvideo #mtbfail
@rickyhayes41
2.2M likes • 24.8M views

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:

Snowdonia📍- Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #Wales #fyp #snowdonia #snowdonianationalpark #Hiking #adventure #wallisthomastravels
@wallisthomastravels
140.6K likes • 1.2M views
Creator | @aimeejoyy Name a better spot for a mid-hike snack?! Location | Y Lliwedd | Eryri Snowdonia . . . . . thewalescollective.co.uk _____________________________⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Explore, Create and Inspire Join us #thewalescollective _____________________________
thewalescollective
0 likes • 5.5K views

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:

Autumn feels on Y Lliwedd..🍂🏔️ #ylliwedd #wales #cymru #mountain #snowdon #eryri #autumn #november #hike #hiker #eryrinationalpark #explore #nature #outdoor #snowdonia #autumn
hikewithrich
0 likes • 27K views

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

4.9
(15 reviews)

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

Amazing hike and scramble
Stunning views
More enjoyable than Snowdon

What People Dislike

Tricky paths
Sheer drops
Requires GPS

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is free to enter. The costs are typically associated with parking at specific trailheads or using visitor facilities. TikTok

Y Lliwedd is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking is only recommended during daylight hours and in safe weather conditions. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

🎫 ⛰️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for photography on Y Lliwedd, creating stunning silhouettes and golden hues. Instagram+1 Clear days provide the best visibility for sweeping panoramas, while misty conditions can add an atmospheric, moody feel. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Y Lliwedd is generally not recommended for families with young children due to its challenging terrain, steep drops, and scrambling sections. The exposure on the ridge can be frightening for younger hikers. Reddit

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. TikTok

🧗 Experienced Hikers & Scramblers

Y Lliwedd is a must-do for experienced hikers and scramblers seeking a thrilling mountain challenge. The Snowdonia Horseshoe is a classic route that includes Y Lliwedd, offering a full day of demanding terrain and spectacular views. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

📸 Landscape Photographers

For photographers, Y Lliwedd offers incredible opportunities to capture the dramatic beauty of Snowdonia. The ridge itself provides stunning foregrounds for sweeping vistas. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Y Lliwedd: Trails and Scrambles

Y Lliwedd is renowned for its challenging terrain, making it a favorite for experienced hikers and scramblers. The most popular routes include the Watkin Path, which offers a rewarding ascent with a final scramble, and inclusion in the Snowdonia Horseshoe. The ridge itself involves exposed sections and requires confident footwork and a head for heights. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

The Thrill of the Snowdonia Horseshoe

The Snowdonia Horseshoe is an iconic and demanding circular route that encompasses some of Eryri's most dramatic peaks, including Y Lliwedd and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). This challenging trek is a true test of endurance and mountain craft, offering unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Photography Opportunities at Y Lliwedd

Y Lliwedd presents a photographer's paradise, especially for landscape enthusiasts. The dramatic ridge lines, rugged peaks, and sweeping valleys offer endless compositional possibilities. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times, casting a warm glow over the mountains and creating stunning silhouettes. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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