Foel Ddu

590m Elevation
24m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

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Llanberis Path

A scenic walk starting from the village of Llanberis that winds up through the stunning landscape surrounding Foel Ddu.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Subdodd

Elevation

590m

1,937 ft

Prominence

24m

Coordinates

52.9950, -3.9835

SH669460

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The summit features a simple stone cairn and offers an excellent viewpoint for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes with rocky outcrops providing an enjoyable if occasionally challenging hiking experience.

Foel Ddu is primarily composed of Cambrian mudstones and sandstones, providing a mix of rugged and rolling landscapes. The rock formations offer intriguing insights into the geological history of the area.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of the iconic Snowdon massif, Llyn Padarn, and the picturesque village of Llanberis.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Foel Ddu translates to 'black hill' in Welsh, possibly reflecting its rocky appearance or dark terrain.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been a part of local culture for generations, often featuring in folklore and being a popular destination for hikers of all abilities.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Llanberis has several car parks available, including one near the starting point of the Llanberis Path.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from nearby towns, including Caernarfon and Bangor, making it accessible by public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Llanberis offers a variety of facilities including cafes, shops, and public toilets for the convenience of hikers.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Lack of path visibility in poor weather, rocky terrain that can be slippery when wet, and steep descents in certain areas.

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

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