Doing it by halves - Nantlle Ridge

[johnkaysleftleg]

With a fine forecast for most of the day we decided to have a crack at a Snowdonian classic, well half a one anyway We drove to Rhyd-Ddu but rather than heading up Snowdon crossed the road towards the striking profile of the Nantlle Ridge.


Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd-Ddu by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The initial pull up Y Garn, the first top on the ridge, is a varied route. Some of it is steep and some is even steeper! The good thing about this is plenty of opportunity to turn around and admire the fabulous views back to Snowdon which was wearing an attractive cloudy cap.


Snowdon Postcard by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Snowdon Sky by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


That looks steep dad! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The top of Y Garn was duly reached following much sweating and we had a little snack while admiring the wonderful views from the precipitous North facing crags.


Nantlle Valley by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Nantlle Ridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Grace on Y Garn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Y Garn is not of course the only top on this ridge with precipitous crags as our next target Mynydd Dwrs-y-coed showed as it loomed intimidatingly ahead. I’m sure you could scare yourself silly on this ridge if you wanted to and some of the drops clearly visible from the path (of sorts) are tremendous, but it can be reduced to a bit of simple scrambley fun by tending towards the Left.


The way ahead by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Intimidating by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Grace scrambling on the ridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

All too soon the summit is reached and it’s somewhat surprising to find it to be a simple grassy top (albeit with a 500 plus feet near vertical drop to your right). The ridge walk to Trum y Ddysgl is a magnificent airy stroll with great views of the crags of both Hewitts and the Nantlle Valley below.


Grace on Mynydd Dwrs-y-coed by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Crag Trum y Ddysgl by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Colgwyn Marchnad by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Trum y Ddysgl by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The poor weather that was due could by now be seen massing to the north but fortunately the high wall of the Snowdon massive was holding it back nicely as we made our way up the final few feet to another surprisingly flat grassy top.


Grace on Trum y Ddysgl by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We consumed the remainder of our rations admiring Moel Hebog before making our way down the lovely grassy southern ridge. This proved to be a fine descent with views of the Western half of the ridge and the lonely Cwm Pennant.


Moel Hebog by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking back on our descent route by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Western half of the Ridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Water fall in Cwm Marchnad by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

By this time the weather was starting to encroach on the ridge but it remained dry until shortly before we returned to the car. Our route back was a bit boggy in places but worth it following a fantastic day. Once again we had dodged the weather as the wind and rain picked up on the drive back to the cottage.

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[L-Hiking]

Some great photos there Anthony sounds a great walk and even more impressed with all the Welsh hills you have named

Have to go there I think

[johnkaysleftleg]

Some great photos there Anthony sounds a great walk and even more impressed with all the Welsh hills you have named

Have to go there I think

And yet I can't pronounce a single one

[Ibex]

Funny, I was reading the report and looking at the hill names and wondering how on Earth you pronounce half of them. I thought the Scottish ones were difficult enough.....

More great photos as always and Grace must have been happy with the scrambling.
Odd that the summits are so flat on a ridge walk. Though they do have a look of the Brecon Beacons about them and they seem to have that same property.

[malky_c]

Looked like a perfect day on this lot . Done this end of the ridge many times - always a great walk.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Funny, I was reading the report and looking at the hill names and wondering how on Earth you pronounce half of them. I thought the Scottish ones were difficult enough.....

More great photos as always and Grace must have been happy with the scrambling.
Odd that the summits are so flat on a ridge walk. Though they do have a look of the Brecon Beacons about them and they seem to have that same property.

Grace thoroughly enjoyed it, the summits may be flat but some of the drops are bowel loosening

Looked like a perfect day on this lot . Done this end of the ridge many times - always a great walk.

It was one of your reports that made me want to do these hills so thanks very much Malky

[Phooooey]

Great report and fantastic photos. I think a safe trek to the left as described would be my choice !

[johnkaysleftleg]

Great report and fantastic photos. I think a safe trek to the left as described would be my choice !

Thanks Phooooey, highly recommended if your hill bagging takes you to Wales in the future.

[SusieThePensioner]

Another great walk and some great photos (as usual)
I'm glad you had the beating of the weather
I spent several years holidaying in North Wales with my parents and brother but, can't remember where we walked at all!!

[johnkaysleftleg]

Another great walk and some great photos (as usual)
I'm glad you had the beating of the weather
I spent several years holidaying in North Wales with my parents and brother but, can't remember where we walked at all!!

Thanks Susie, my childhood memories are the same, pretty vague if I'm honest

[clivegrif]

Thats another amazing set of pictures Anthony! Love the Snowdon Postcard.

As others have said, it's a great area, and even better on a day like that - looks like you all had a terrific time.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Thats another amazing set of pictures Anthony! Love the Snowdon Postcard.

As others have said, it's a great area, and even better on a day like that - looks like you all had a terrific time.

Cheers Clive