Yr Arran – Circular Walk

There are many mountain walks in Eryri that can take less than 4 hours – This is a lovely loop that has great views of Snowdon.

If you head into the mountains YOU must make sure that you have the fitness, experience, clothing and confidence to keep yourself safe.

Always carry a phone.

Distance: 10 km Duration: 3.5 hours

Dog Friendly: 8/10 Height Gain: 580 meters

Car Park/ Start Point: HERE Grid Ref: SH 5711 5253

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Yr Arran from Rhyd-Ddu

A circular walk taking in the summit of Yr Arran, starting from the carpark at Rhyd-Ddu, following the Rhyd-Ddu path as it starts to climb towards Yr Wyddfa. This walk breaks away from that route to head towards the coll between Yr Wyddfa and Yr Arran then climbs the Northern slope of Yr Arran.

Start

The car park in Rhyd-Ddu is well signposted and easy to find, it’s relatively large and costs £6 to park all day. During school holidays and at weekends this car park can get very busy, arrive early to make sure you can find a space – there are public toilets, a water bottle filling station and information boards.

Start by heading to the Northern end of the car park and cross the steam railway line, you cannot miss the Rhyd-Ddu path, it’s massive and well signposted. You’ll be able to see Yr Arran as you start along the path, it looks really far away, but that’s just perspective – it’s loads closer than it seems. After approx. 1.5km the path passes through a gate in a well constructed dry stone wall, just after that gate the path splits. Turning left (North) takes you up Yr Wyddfa but we’re continuing straight on, heading East towards Yr Arran.

Climbing Gently

The path climbs gently as a hard surfaced track for just over 2km, heading straight towards the coll between Yr Wyddfa and Yr Arran. Eventually you’ll reach abandoned quarry workings, some of these are really deep and steep – you might choose to put dogs on leads. Eventually you’ll reach an area of flatter ground with large quarry workings on both sides. There is a ladder style on the right, crossing the barbed wire fence and directing you South onto the lower slope of Yr Arran.

Off the Beaten Path

After crossing the ladder style (the only dog obstacle on the walk) cross the quarry workings and follow the Western edge of the small lake as you head towards the summit of Yr Arran. You’ll be crossing open access lad that has no clear path, just take a route you’re comfortable with heading South and gently West until the ground starts to get steeper.

After approx. 250 meters you’ll start climbing more steeply, aiming for the drystone wall and obvious track that’s 200 meters away on your left hand side (South East). Follow the drystone wall and track to the North East shoulder of Yr Arran – the path will turn sharp right and start climbing more steeply towards the summit.

The Top of Yr Arran

The summit of Yr Arran is distinct and quite craggy – there’s space to stop for a brew with a view. Once you’re ready to head down you can’t miss the well worn in path off the summit, heading South West. After approx. 400 meters the ground becomes less steep and the route turns North West towards the marked footpath that isn’t very obvious in the landscape. Basically your following that footpath back to the ladder stile you crossed to leave the main track. Find a route that you feel comfortable with, there’s some wet patches, but as long as your heading mostly North you can’t get lost.

Heading Home

Once you have re-crossed the ladder stile – you’re back on the large, wide, footpath that you’ll follow back, the way you came, all the way to the carpark. Take it easy, enjoy the landscape, there are small waterfalls and pools to the South of the footpath – take a dip, cool off.

Variations

If you fancy a linear walk, follow this route to the top of Yr Arran then head West from the summit before turning North and heading down into Cwm Llan and joining the Watkin Path. There’s loads of swim spots along the Afon Cwm Llan – choose pools that your confident to swim in. Descend the Watkin Path to get the bus from Nant Gwynant back to Rhydd-Ddu.

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That’s it – all done. Enjoy.

Closest decent coffee: https://g.co/kgs/Y7SvUiA

Guided Mountain Walks: https://explorewildwales.co.uk/mountain-walking/

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