The North-west Ridge

The North-West Ridge route comprises the line of hills north-west of the summit, namely (in order from NW to SE) Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Foel Goch and Moel Cynghorion.

The North-west Ridge as seen from the summit

Starting from Llanberis, this demanding ridge walk takes in these four grassy summits before descending to Bwlch Cwm Brwynog, where it joins the Snowdon Ranger Path near Llyn Ffynnon y Gwas, about half-way up that path. If then going to the summit, the total length via this route is 7½ miles, with much more than the usual amount of ascent.

The undulating nature of this ridge walk has led to it being called ‘the rollercoaster’ by some.

The North-west Ridge in the sun, as seen from the Llanberis Path

If you don’t fancy doing all 4 peaks of the North-west Ridge, it’s possible to do just the first 3 (Moel Eilio, Foel Gron & Foel Goch) and then return to Llanberis on the Maesgwm bridleway which you can join after descending from Foel Goch.

Another option to return to Llanberis without going to the summit is to join the Snowdon Ranger Path after Moel Cynghorion. You can descend on the Snowdon Ranger Path for about a mile, to where a signed path leads off through Bwlch Maesgwm. This bridleway then follows the Maesgwm bridleway, part of the Maesgwm Round.

Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2025

For a shorter round featuring part of the North-West Ridge, but without going to the summit of Snowdon, see the Cwm Dwythwch Round.


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