Rhyd Ddu is a small village in Snowdonia.
The name of this village, translated from the Welsh, means "Black Ford", and the village would originally have grown up around this crossing point on the Afon Gwyrfai river. Since the 19th century Rhyd Ddu has been a popular starting point for climbers ascending Snowdon, the village is also the main centre from which to climb Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge to the west.
- Nantlle Ridge. small range of mountain with great views and hiking
Nantlle Ridge. small range of mountain with great views and hiking
Most visitors to Rhyd Ddu are here to climb Snowdon. As you might guess the Rhyd Ddu Path starts from the village itself, while the Snowdon Ranger Path starts just under a mile to the north of the village, from the eponymous youth hostel and railway station.
While most walkers and climbers head east from the village up the Snowdon paths, those seeking a more solitary experience should head west for the underrated Nantlle Ridge, the westernmost of Snowdonia's mountain ranges, which offers marvellous views of Snowdon itself to the east, and the Lleyn peninsula and Tremadog Bay to the south and west.
- Dorothea Quarry. The famous Dorothea Quarry is a flooded disused quarry, which is now a popular (unofficial) training site for divers from across Wales and central and north-west England. It has acquired a bit of a bad name due to a number of accidents and fatalities. Parts of the quarry are up to 100m (300ft) deep, and it seems that some divers are tempted to push the limits too far.
Dorothea Quarry. The famous Dorothea Quarry is a flooded disused quarry, which is now a popular (unofficial) training site for divers from across Wales and central and north-west England. It has acquired a bit of a bad name due to a number of accidents and fatalities. Parts of the quarry are up to 100m (300ft) deep, and it seems that some divers are tempted to push the limits too far.
There is no shop in Rhyd Ddu, soft drinks, snacks and fruit can be purchased from the tea rooms. There are a number of shops in Beddgelert, 5km to the south.
- Ty Mawr B&B and Tea Room, Rhyd Ddu, LL54 6TL, +44 1766 890837. Tea room open 09.30-17.30, closed Tuesdays. Cosy little cafe serving teas and coffees, all day breakfast, sandwiches, snacks etc. As the name suggests, they also offer B&B accommodation.
Ty Mawr B&B and Tea Room, Rhyd Ddu, LL54 6TL, +44 1766 890837. Tea room open 09.30-17.30, closed Tuesdays. Cosy little cafe serving teas and coffees, all day breakfast, sandwiches, snacks etc. As the name suggests, they also offer B&B accommodation.
- The Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd Ddu, LL54 6TL, +44 1766 890321. has several cask ales on tap. CAMRA 2000 Award for best pub on display. This pub also owns the campsite mentioned in the camping section below. The owner is welcoming and will give advice on how to tackle Snowdon and other activities. The pub is a jumble of bygone artifacts with real log fire.
The Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd Ddu, LL54 6TL, +44 1766 890321. has several cask ales on tap. CAMRA 2000 Award for best pub on display. This pub also owns the campsite mentioned in the camping section below. The owner is welcoming and will give advice on how to tackle Snowdon and other activities. The pub is a jumble of bygone artifacts with real log fire.