ARS to tackle the Nantlle Ridge

The ARS (Audlem Ramblers Society) walk is this coming Saturday, 14th August. The walk has been suggested by Peter Kay and his description follows. It's an 8.00am start from Audlem car park.

The Nantlle Ridge is one of the classic ridge walks in Snowdonia. This grassy topped ridge gives excellent views eastwards towards Snowdonia proper and westwards over to Anglesey.

Chris Knibbs will be offering something approaching the full monty to anyone who wants to join him. Peter Kay will offer a shorter walk of between 5 and 7 hours tailored to the weather conditions and the wishes of the group.

Getting onto the ridge does involve some effort and a short section of scrambling. On the ridge itself there are one or two brief rocky ascents and descents.

We start with about an hour's steep climb from the Rhyd Ddu station car park to reach Y Garn. Then follows a rocky scramble to Mynydd Drws y Coed. This is not difficult but if you suffer from vertigo you might be uncomfortable. We then follow the ridge to Mynydd Tal y Mignedd.

Our route from then on has several options but essentially we will be dropping down to the old coffin road coming up from Cwm Pennant, over Bwlch y Ddwy-elor and then making our way back through the woods to Rhyd Ddu.

Despite the relatively low height of the ridge, this is serious mountain walking with some rough unpathed sections. You should be equipped to keep the rain and wind out and have something dry to put on when you get back. You also need good boots. Having consulted one of our dog owners on the route suitability, the leaders would request no dogs.

Bad weather optionIn really bad weather or persistent low cloud the Ridge is unpleasant and can be dangerous. There is consequently a bad weather option. This is a linear walk of about 9 miles from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert over Bwlch Cwm Llan between Snowdon and Yr Aran. The route then follows the Watkin Path down to Nant Gwynant.

From here there is a pleasant walk along the valley to Beddgelert. This could also be an alternative walk for those who want to be in the mountains but don't want to tackle the ridge. Please let Peter Kay know if you are interested in this.

The alternative walk will be led by Brenda Kay. The length is 8.5 miles with 1600ft of gradual climbing, mostly at the beginning of the walk. There are some spectacular views. Nant Gwynant is particularly pretty. There is one short rocky descent that requires care.

Just when you need a rest, you come to a coffee shop. The pubs will also be open when you get to Beddgelert.

Cars can be arranged to suit. However the Nantlle Ridge party will be coming back through Beddgelert.

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