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Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu WHR Link Cycle or Running Route

By Dave Roberts   

on August 31, 2014    No ratings yet.

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu WHR Link Cycle or Running Route

Route Essentials

Route Summary

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

24.13 km

Ascent

357 m

Time

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Difficulty

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu WHR Link Cycle or Running Route Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu WHR Link Cycle or Running Route

This is a straightforward cycle route between the Caernarfon Welsh Highland Railway station and the station in Rhyd Ddu. Can also be done as a stunning road run, highly recommended. You can use the train to return to Caernarfon, or if you want to avoid the climbs, just reverse the route.

The Route

Start off from the Welsh Highland Railway station at Caernarfon, and follow the Lon Las Eifion for 11km, as far as Llanllyfni. You’ll find a path off to your left that marks the turning point, and a quiet country lane to follow into the village.

Cfon_Rhyd_ddu_Nantlle_100

You will need to turn left and follow the once main road, but it’s quiet and only for a few minutes until you reach the right hand junction marked Tanyrallt 1. Follow this country lane for 2.5 km. There’s little to see, but it’s pleasant enough.

Cfon_Rhyd_ddu_Nantlle_102

Once you reach the B4418, the going is a bit more unpleasant as you’ll need to follow this B Road into Nantlle for the next 3km. At least the views over Llyn Nantlle Uchaf, the second Isaf lake having been used to tip slate waste, make up for it. If this were the Lake District, it would be swarming with tourists and you’ll be able to buy Nantlle souveniers. Thankfully, it’s much quieter but you can’t help but think that they’re getting a raw deal. I’d imagine that it’s partially as it’s the ‘wrong’ side of Snowdonia for visiting walkers, and that there actually aren’t many decent paths onto the hill from here. There were a few temporary Tir Cynnal footpaths, hardly used, under publicised and a seriously missed opportunity for all involved.

Cfon_Rhyd_ddu_Nantlle_108

Follow the road through Nantlle, a village that has the spectacular backdrop of the Nantlle Ridge to one side and slate tips to the other. I did wish it was in the Lake District at that point, as it would then probably have a pub, and I was over heating! This is the point to take a breather, in preparation for a bit of a climb at the head of the valley.

Cfon_Rhyd_ddu_Nantlle_109

There may be a relentless climb to Rhyd Ddu, but it’s barely a 150m climb. The looming crags of Craig y Bera, the more rugged end of Mynydd Mawr, dominate the view and keep you sufficiently distracted.

Cfon_Rhyd_ddu_Nantlle_110You top out at Bwlchgylfin, with a view towards Snowdon and pretty soon after the lakes of Llyn y Dywarchen and Llyn y Gader.

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If you wanted to extend the route by around 8km, you could take Lon Gwyrfai – Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert – from the sharp corner in the road, rather than follow it across direct to the Rhyd Ddu Station. You’ll need a rugged bike for that route, so the road may be a safer bet if you haven’t got a hybrid or mountain bike. As a bonus, the Cwellyn Arms makes up for the lack of a pub and facilities beforehand!

Not everyone can be lucky enough to have this commute!
Not everyone can be lucky enough to have this commute!

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
24.13 km 357 m

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: 

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Check out the businesses nearby for more places to stay and drink.

Hazards

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking :

Public Transport:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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