Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs Moel Siabod from Pont Cyfyng by the old quarry track and Daear Ddu ridge, returning the same way. It covers 9.7 km with about 796 m of ascent and usually takes 5 to 7 hours. Daear Ddu is a Grade 1 scramble: the difficulties can often be varied, but hands-on movement and careful route choice are unavoidable.
From Pont Cyfyng, follow the lane and quarry track uphill past old workings and towards Llyn y Foel. The track gives way to rough, wet ground around the lake. Daear Ddu rises beyond as a broken rocky ridge. Keep to the crest or the easiest worn line, using hands on blocks and short steps. Exposure is limited on the best route but increases if you stray onto steeper flanks. The ridge finishes close to Moel Siabod's 872 m summit shelter and trig point.
Return down Daear Ddu and the quarry track exactly as shown by this GPX. Descending the scramble is harder than climbing it, especially on wet or icy rock. This is not a route for walkers who want to avoid using their hands. Keep the group close, leave space below loose blocks and turn back before the ridge if conditions or confidence are poor.
Daear Ddu is best taken slowly, choosing the easiest rock rather than chasing a single worn line.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start near the bridge and use legal parking without blocking homes or the narrow road. Follow the uphill lane shown by the GPX.
Join the old track climbing past wooded ground and former quarry workings. Keep outside fenced or unstable areas.
Continue beyond the main workings as the surface becomes rougher. Ignore paths dropping towards Capel Curig.
Cross wet, uneven ground towards the lake. The clearest trod can move as boggy sections erode.
Reach the lake beneath Daear Ddu. Check weather and group confidence before committing to the scramble.
Climb the rocky crest using hands on short steps. Choose simple lines and avoid steep detours onto either flank.
Reach the shelter and trig point at 872 m. Take a bearing for the top of Daear Ddu before descending.
Descend the scramble carefully, pass Llyn y Foel and retrace the quarry track to the start.
Essential Tips
Hands-on climbing is part of the route. Choose another ascent if anyone is uncomfortable with scrambling.
Downclimbing Daear Ddu needs time and concentration. Face into awkward steps and keep the group together.
Slippery rock sharply increases the risk. Turn back at Llyn y Foel if the ridge is unsafe.
Keep space between walkers and never climb directly below someone who may dislodge a stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Daear Ddu scramble on Moel Siabod?
It's a Grade 1 scramble, which means you'll definitely need to use your hands on rocky sections and choose your route carefully. It's the easiest scrambling grade, but it's not a walk — if you're uncomfortable with hands-on climbing, pick a different route up Moel Siabod.
How long does the Moel Siabod scramble via Daear Ddu take?
It usually takes 5 to 7 hours for the full 9.9 km route. The calculated time is about 3 hours 12 minutes of moving time, but you'll need extra for the scrambling sections and breaks.
Where do I park for the Daear Ddu route on Moel Siabod?
Start at Pont Cyfyng / Bryn Glo Parking on the A5. Use legal parking spots without blocking homes or the narrow road — it's a popular area so be considerate.