Foel Ddu

Foel Ddu

Foel Ddu Group Walks | Join a Walk

448m Elevation
129m Prominence
Wales Country

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Classifications

Hump 400-499m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Foel Ddu together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

448m

1,470 ft

Prominence

129m

Coordinates

52.6680, -3.9278

SH697095

OS Map

124

Explorer: OL23W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a distinctive cairn, which serves as a great spot for a cheeky selfie. On a clear day, you might even get a glimpse of Snowdon in the distance.

Terrain & Geology

Grass-covered slopes with rocky outcrops and occasional boggy patches.

Foel Ddu is primarily composed of volcanic slate and shale, which gives it a rugged character. The area's geological history includes significant glacial activity, evident in the surrounding features.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the majestic peaks of the Glyderau.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Foel Ddu translates to 'Black Hill' in English, likely referring to its dark, rugged appearance.

Historical Significance

The area holds rich historical significance with ancient pathways and remnants of Roman roads, revealing its long-standing cultural heritage.

Popular Routes

Sarn Helen Route

Moderate

A popular hiking route that follows the ancient Roman road, offering a mix of historic intrigue and stunning landscape views.

8 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the small layby off the A5 road, roughly 2 km from the trailhead. Make sure to get there early during weekends as it can fill up quickly.

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby towns like Betws-y-Coed to the A5, with a short walk to the trailhead required.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit, but you can find cafes and toilets in Capel Curig, perfect for a post-hike snack or refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths, especially in wet conditions. Some areas can be boggy, so sturdy footwear is advised.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Foel Ddu?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Foel Ddu through the maps

Are there other walkers around Foel Ddu?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Foel Ddu search or of course create your own walk for Foel Ddu

Can I organise a walk to Foel Ddu?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Foel Ddu.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Foel Ddu?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Foel Ddu here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible