Walking Snowdon - Rhyd Ddu

TS7 · 14 May 2017 at 12:12

Hi,

Just received email from my friend who's organising a climb in August. He's chosen the the Rhyd Du path which from a bit of googling seems to be the easiest path.

I've not done any claiming before and he's sent a link for some Merrel boots. I don't plan to do any climbing subsuquently so spending £80 on some hideously ugly boots feels overkill however I don't want to be underprepared. So is proper footwear necessary for the said trail?

http://snowdon-walks.co.uk/self-guided-walks/snowdon-via-rhyd-ddu-path/

Any other tips? As we are all first time climbers. We do a lot of walking/rambling/exploring so fitness as such isn't the concern. It's more the actual climbing / hiking.

Thanks

Clarkson · 14 May 2017 at 12:14

If you do walking/rambling already, do you not already have a pair of walking boots? These would be sufficient.

Greebo · 14 May 2017 at 12:15

I would never describe going up snowden by the easy trail a "climb". Did it several times as a kid in trainers though would recommend good walking boots.

Screeeech · 14 May 2017 at 12:18

it's pretty easy to be honest, the problem is if it's wet or muddy, anything other than a solid pair of walking boots will get wrecked quite easily,

Also, it's absolutely RAMMED with people doing the three peaks challenge, the hardest part about climbing the damn hill is finding somewhere to park, so totally factor that into your trip, all carparks in the entire vicinity were rammed and overflowing before 7-8am on a weekend.

marin · 14 May 2017 at 12:19

Have a look on Go Outdoors - boots start at £30.00 and they will be fine.

I like to use a walking pole - helps the knees and makes you more stable, other wise a small day sack with a water proof jacket should always taken.

Goksly · 14 May 2017 at 13:29

marin said:
Have a look on Go Outdoors - boots start at £30.00 and they will be fine.

This. I paid about 40 for my higear ones. Waterproof, ankle protection, solid. The sticker price is crazy but if you pay cover for membership they almost halve the price.

Rannoch · 14 May 2017 at 13:32

Good socks, Vaseline and Compeed will assist.

danlightbulb · 14 May 2017 at 14:47

Would recommend boots that come above the ankle for sure, extra protection when rambling over rocky terrain.

But ditch the Rhyd du and get up Crib Goch. Much more fun.

Rroff · 14 May 2017 at 14:51

Any reasonably solid footwear will do for that path aslong as you have a bit of grip. Make sure you are prepared for both extremes weather wise though - up mountains can go from freezing and deluging rain to hot and sunny in almost an instant and so many people get caught unprepared.

Dis86 · 14 May 2017 at 14:53

So just to clarify, are you climbing or walking?

robj20 · 14 May 2017 at 16:14

Rhyd Ddu had no climbing is a path an easy one at that. Sturdy walking shoes or any boots will be fine.

TS7 · 14 May 2017 at 22:45

Thanks for all your helpful responses - I'm going to pick up a pair of walking boots.

Rannoch · 15 May 2017 at 09:15

Cut your toenails before you go

Skiddley · 15 May 2017 at 09:21

^ what he said.