Walking

Moel Siabod via Daear Ddu Ridge

By Lisa Wells

Distance

9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Time

4 hrs

Difficulty

Hard

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Published on August 19, 2024 3 min read

Moel Siabod Circular via Daear Ddu Ridge

Welcome to Moel Siabod.  140ft short of being a summit in the Welsh 3000’s challenge means it’s slightly quieter than some of the other local summits.   It’s also the only summit that you can see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3000’s from.

Technical: This is a grade 1 Scramble via Daear Ddu Ridge.  It is suitable for everyone, however there is some exposure and no visible path at times once you’re on the ridge.

Map OS Explorer Conwy Valley OL17

For a closer look at the numbered waypoints open the map of this Moel Siabod Circular up in OS Maps and zoom in.

Parking: Bryn Glo carpark.  Bryn Glo A5, Capel Curig, LL24 0DT

Waypoint 2: Exit the Carpark

Exit the carpark, turn right, cross the road and continue up the road until you come to a bridge over the river.

Waypoint 3: Cross the Bridge

Cross over the river and continue along the tarmac road

Waypoint 4: Tarmac Path

The farmer has helpfully spray painted ‘path’ on the road to keep you on the recognised footpath

Waypoint 5: Keep on the path

Keep on this new path rather than taking the more obvious tarmac road past the farmers house

Waypoint 6: 1st gate/stile

You will come to your first gate/stile and it also has a handy dog gate. Carry on past the holiday cottages on your left

Waypoint 7: 2nd gate/stile

Take in the fabulous view of Moel Siabod.  You’ll come to another gate/stile with a dog gate

Waypoint 8: Final gate/stile

Waypoint 9: Lake

Waypoint 10: Disused quarry

Keep the small quarry lake on your right.  A handy spot for a snack break

Waypoint 11: Llyn y Foel

It can get very boggy around this lake so pick your way around it very carefully to avoid ending up with wet feet.

Waypoint 12: Start of the Ridge Path

You will see the natural route up the Daear Ddu Ridge.  Move further to the left and the scramble becomes slightly easier.

Waypoint 13: Daear Ddu Ridge

Remember to enjoy the views!

Waypoint 14: Nearly there

As you finish your final scramble the summit trig will come into sight

Waypoint 15: The Summit

Moel Siabod.  The only summit you can see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3000’s from

Waypoint 16: Summit Shelter

The perfect lunch spot

Waypoint 17: The start of your descent

Continue over the rocky boulders, the North East Ridge will be above you on your right hand side.

Waypoint 18: Stile

Waypoint 19: Find your path

You’ll be well on your way down now, keep the ridge on your right hand side

Waypoint 20: Path

A mixture of natural and man made path

Waypoint 21: Take your time

There are still some steep sections here and the rocks can become very wet and slippy

Waypoint 22: Follow the route

You’ll soon recognise your route from earlier and you can now retrace your footsteps back to the carpark

SH 7354 5709

9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Note from the Editor

I was delighted when Lisa sent me over this fabulous Moel Siabod Route, it’s an absolute favourite of mine. I took this pic from the view from the summit of Moel Siabod a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed spending time labelling the peaks after the walk. As Lisa says it shows just what spectacular fun you can have peak spotting lots of the Welsh 3000’s on this great route. It’s a perfect hike for beginners looking to try out a bit of scrambling.

Hilary x

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By Lisa Wells

I live in North Wales and I am a qualified Mountain Leader. I am passionate about protecting the area I live in for future generations and work as a volunteer with the Snowdonia National Park and the Ramblers. I run Well Being Walks for women. The ethos behind ‘Women Only Walks’ was born from my love of the outdoors and wanting to share that love in a supportive and fun way. My border Terrier, Billy is always right next to me on my days out and his love of the outdoors means we are the perfect match. Find out more about OS Champion Lisa Wells.