Wales
Mynydd Drws-y-coed
697M
2285FT
About Mynydd Drws-y-coed
A dramatic centerpiece of the Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Drws-y-coed offers some of Wales' finest scrambling without the ego-bruising crowds of nearby Snowdon. It’s steep, rocky, and provides views so good you’ll briefly forget your burning calves—at least until you look down the precipitous northern cliffs.
Key Statistics
Rank
76th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
59.1m
Nearest Town
Ulverston
Geology
You are walking on fine-grained siltstone and hardened magma. These rocks formed from ancient seafloor mud and molten material that cooled deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH548518
Latitude
53.0437°N
Longitude
4.1673°W
Did You Know?
- •The name translates to 'Mountain of the Door of the Wood', referring to the ancient forests that once guarded the pass below. It serves as a rugged gateway between the Nantlle Valley and the high peaks of Eryri.
- •The mountain’s northern face features a dizzying drop into a glacial cwm, showcasing rock from the Snowdon Volcanic Group. These cliffs were forged during prehistoric volcanic eruptions long before hikers arrived with Gore-Tex and sandwiches.
- •The valley floor at its base was once a major site for copper mining, with workings dating back to the 18th century. While miners hauled heavy ore out of the depths, modern walkers mostly just haul themselves up the steep scree slopes.
- •The ascent from Rhyd Ddu includes a grade one scramble that is just spicy enough to make you reconsider your weekend hobbies. It is widely considered the most exhilarating section of the ridge, assuming the Welsh mist hasn't swallowed the horizon.
- •The exposed ridge path provides the unique sensation of your stomach attempting to exit via your throat. If you find yourself crawling on all fours, simply tell onlookers you are conducting an intensive geological survey of the moss.