Moel Siabod Hike Guide

10 Apr

Moel Siabod may not be the highest peak in Snowdonia however the views from its 872m summit are up there with the best in the National Park. On a good day it’s possible to see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3,000’s from the top of this solitary mountain.

This views and a the variety of terrain encountered on this hike make it a great crowd free alternative to the more popular hikes in Snowdonia.

Key information

Summits: Moel Siabod (872m)
Route Length : 6 Miles / 9.2 Km
Hike Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 738m
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Parking & Start point: Bryn-Glo B & B, Pont Cyfyng
What Three Words: Evidence.level.developed

Where to park for Moel Siabod?

Free Parking is available in the car park next to Bryn Glow B&B. There’s space for around 25 cars and it usually fills up quickly so get there early to snag a space. If the car park is full you will have to source a legal alternative location in one of the lay-bys on the side of the A5.

Is Moel Siabod an easy hike?

While it isn’t a technical climb it does involve a small element of scrambling and around 800m of elevation gain. Those with a good level of fitness and mountain experience shouldn’t find this hike difficult.

How long does it take to Climb Moel Siabod?

Between Three and half and Five and a half hours depending on your fitness levels and how long you plan on admiring the views at the summit.

Are there toilets on route?

There are no toilets at the start point or on route. The nearest facilities are at the wonderful Moel Siabod cafe situated further one mile north of the car park.

The Route

From the car park, cross the road and head up the A5. After passing the impressive Cyfyng waterfall turn left and crossover the stone footbridge. After around 300m the road will fork, turn right over the cattle grid and follow the path as it climbs steeply up past Rhos farm.

Looking towards Moel Siabod from the second stile

After passing the farm and over a second stile, Moel Siabod will come into view. After half a kilometre following a rocky path, the route will fork.

If you head left it will take you through the slate quarries and up the Daear Ddu Ridge to the summit (clockwise route) , proceeding straight ahead will take you straight up the crest of the mountain (anticlockwise route).

As i’d recommend tackling this in a clockwise fashion, head left and follow the path as it passes a reservoir into the abandoned Moel Siabod slate quarry.

Shut down in 1884, the complex comprises a series of ruined buildings and trackways, a large quarry (now flooded) and extensive slate spoil heaps. The areas is wonderfully tranquil so take some time to poke your head around and explore its ruins.

One of the slate buildings looking back towards Pont Cyfyng

If you branch off to the left of the path shortly before the flooded quarry, you will be able to find two former quarry buildings with slate roofs which remain partly intact. They offer a terrific views back towards Pony Cyfyng and in more recent times have become a bit of an Instagram hotspot.

Once down the ridge, you will have to navigate by the boggy marshland which passes by Llyn-y-Foel. Depending on the time of year and the prior weather you may have to make a few detours to avoid the overly saturated areas.

Daear Ddu Ridge is apparently classed as a grade 1 scramble, however I feel that grading is very generous. You can easily pick your way up the ridge, carefully following the more well trodden route.

For those who are seeking a little more excitement and exposure, you can make the ascent more difficult by choosing to scramble and climb directly up the spine of the ridge.

After half a mile you will eventually emerge onto the summit of Moel Siabod

The English translation for Moel Siabod is “Bare mountain” and it’s clear to see why.

The view north west towards the Llyn peninsula and Snowdon

Beneath the trig pillar lies a wide rocky outcrop covered in large boulders. It’s similar to the Glyderau and can be a little underfoot tricky to navigate, especially in the wind and rain.

The summit itself is marked by a trig point, from which you have majestical 360 degree panoramic views across the national park

Looking South and sunset from the summit

Looking north you have the Snowdon massif, the Glyderau, and Carneddau with the indistinguishable sharks fin shaped Tryfan clearly noticeable between them. Looking east you have the Llyn peninsula and Ceridigion bay and to the south you can see the Rhinogs and the mighty Cadair Idris.

Looking north towards the Glyderau, Tyfan, and the Carneddau

Once you have taken in the stupendous views its time to make your descent. Head east, past the circular stone wall shelter which lies slightly off the summit.

The north East ridge at sunrise from the summit

You can either follow the long flat rocky ridge-line north east east for around 800m before scrambling your way down to the main path.

Or if you want an easier route, head left and follow the path off the ridge as it moves from rock onto grass and weaves around the side of the mountain. Cross over a wooden style and follow the wide grassy path as heads north east. After a couple of hundred meters the route will descend down the rocky eastern face of the mountain.

Looking back towards Snowdon on the descent

The path is quite steep and fluctuates between grass, rock, and scree. On occasions you may have to use your hands, but I wouldn’t class it as scrambling.

Once at the bottom, cross over the wooden stile, rejoin the initial path and retrace your steps back past Rhos Farm to your car.

Final thoughts

Moel siabod took me by surprise. Not only were the views from its summit majestical and some of the best in the national park, but the variety of the terrain and features throughout the walk alongside the lack of people made it a hike to remember.

It’s a hike which is worthy of your time and one you should look to tackle if you are in the national park for a few days. I tackled it an anticlockwise fashion as I was short on time and wanted to get to the summit for sunset, however if I was to do it again I was complete it clockwise fashion which i have outlined in the blog so I could scramble up the Daear Ddu ridge.

Having wildcamped on the summit it’s a great place to watch both the sunset and sunrise. I’d also recommend Stopping by Moel Siabod café once you finish the hike to replenish all those calories you have burnt.