Two Scenic Routes up Moel Siabod
Moel Siabod is one of the most spectacular mountains in Snowdonia National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
If you're looking for a scenic mountain hike in North Wales, then this mighty peak should be at the top of your list.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at how to get there, where to park, and my favourite Moel Siabod routes...
Moel Siabod
Moel Siabod is a scenic mountain in North Wales.
Known for its distinctive shape, a walk up Moel Siabod offers some of the most breathtaking views in Snowdonia National Park.
Looking for the right OS Map? Check out the Snowdon OS Map.
How High is Moel Siabod?
Standing at an impressive 872m (2,861ft) high, Moel Siabod is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range.
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Moel Siabod Routes
My two favourite routes to the summit are:
Moel Siabod from Plas Brenin (the Tourist Path)
Moel Siabod via the Daear Ddu Ridge (Grade 1 Scramble)
Here’s a bit more information on these two awesome routes up Moel Siabod…
Moel Siabod from Plas Brenin
The Details
Elevation: 707m
Distance: 7.5km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Route Description
The route up Moel Siabod from Plas Brenin is a challenging one, covering a distance of around 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 700m.
The trail is well-marked, and you'll find it relatively easy to follow.
Here's a step-by-step guide on climbing Moel Siabod from Plas Brenin…
Firstly, head towards Plas y Brenin and look out for a gate and a good footpath that will take you over the Afon Mymbyr via a footbridge. You'll get a great view of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from this spot - a must-have photo opportunity.
Once you cross the footbridge, the path continues uphill and is easy to follow.
After about half a kilometer, you'll come across a forestry track. Walk to your left for 10 paces and you'll find the continuation of the Siabod path to your right.
After 1.6km, you'll eventually reach a gate with a stile at which marks the point where the track enters open hillside. The path becomes harder to follow through alternating sections of flat, wet hillside and further steeper ascents.
After around 1 km, you'll cross a final stile which marks the start of the final ascent of Moel Siabod. The path becomes harder to follow at you get closer to the summit.
The summit ridge begins to appear on your left, which you need to keep parallel as this initial section is a bouldery scramble to the top.
As the path peters out, you may be lucky enough to follow a very faint path that heads directly towards the summit ridge.
If not, you'll need to veer slightly left towards the summit ridge. Look out for a distinctive upright stone on the skyline. It's only a small stone and can be easily missed.
Once you pass this stone, you'll find yourself on a flat area with some boggy ground to the left and a sheer drop down to Llyn y Foel directly ahead - there is a faint path that can be followed to the summit.
At the summit, you'll get an amazing view towards Snowdon, Glyderau, Tryfan Carneddau, and south over the Moelwynion.
Enjoy the views and then return the way you came!
Route Map
Parking
Plas Brenin, located in Capel Curig, is the perfect starting point for your hike up Moel Siabod.
If you're driving, there's a small car park at the outdoor activity center where you can park your vehicle.
Alternatively, you can park on the roadside near the Siabod Café, located across the road from the center.
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Moel Siabod via Daear Ddu - Grade 1 Scramble
The Details
Elevation: 757 metres
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route Details
The hike to Moel Siabod via Daeadr Ddu is an exhilarating and challenging experience for the keen hiker.
This route offers stunning views of the Welsh countryside, while providing a true test of stamina and strength.
Here’s my favourite route up Moel Siabod …
Park your car or take the Sherpa bus to Bryn Glo car park.
From here, walk a few hundred meters along the busy A5 road towards the bridge at Pont Cyfyng.
After crossing the bridge, take the minor road and keep an eye out for the Moel Siabod signpost.
The track will lead you uphill, passing some houses before reaching open hillside.
After a kilometer, you will come across an un-named quarry lake, followed by a disused quarry pit.
Beyond the quarry, the track turns into a narrow path that takes you towards Llyn y Foel. Be cautious in this area, as the surrounding terrain tends to be quite boggy.
The shortest route is directly across the northern end of the lake towards the base of Daear Ddu, but be prepared for some boggy sections.
Alternatively, you can head off and around the southern end of the lake or contour around the cwm to avoid the wettest areas.
Upon reaching Daear Ddu, you'll face a sustained but easy scramble over 1km with an ascent of about 300m
It's difficult to provide a precise guide for the scramble, as the best route may vary depending on the moment. However, it's recommended to keep right and close to the crest. The scramble can be a challenge for inexperienced walkers.
The final section of the Daear Ddu ridge is mostly bouldery, leading directly to the summit of Moel Siabod.
From the summit, you'll have stunning views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Glyderau and the Carneddau mountains. - Allow yourself some time to take it all in, as this is one of the finest viewpoints in Eryri (Snowdonia).
After taking time to rest and relax, hikers can begin the descent back to the start via the northeastern ridge towards Pont-Cyfyng.
Route Map
Parking
Park your car or take the Sherpa bus to Bryn Glo car park.
There is also a parking lane along the A5 where you can park your car. You can find this directly opposite the Bryn Glo Carpark.
With stunning views of Snowdonia National Park and the surrounding landscape, Moel Siabod is a hike that you won't forget in a hurry.
So, if you're up for a thrilling adventure in North Wales, make sure you add hiking to the summit of Moel Siabod to your adventure bucket list!
Looking for other local hikes? Check out these awesome walks in North Wales!