Clogwyn Du'r Arddu
Cliff Steep Welsh cliff face popular with rock climbers
A steep crag on Snowdonia’s western slopes known among climbers for technical routes; people visit for rock climbing, scrambling and mountain panoramas.
Clogwyn Du’r Arddu is a steep cliff on the western face of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, and is a prominent rock-climbing crag. It is noted for steep, exposed multi-pitch routes and is a key venue in British climbing.
The cliff is popular with experienced climbers for its technical trad and mixed routes and is known for sustained, serious climbing grades. Because of its mountain setting, routes can be dangerous in wet or winter conditions and require appropriate alpine experience.
The feature sits on Snowdon’s west face above the Clogwyn valley and is accessible from approaches in the Llanberis/southern Snowdon area within Gwynedd.
- Climbing difficulty: Routes on the cliff require technical rock-climbing skills and good route-finding; climbing is generally for experienced parties only.
- Weather and season: Weather can change quickly at elevation; climbs are safest in dry conditions during the summer months.
How to Get to Clogwyn Du'r Arddu #
From Llanberis village (4-6 km by foot depending on route), follow paths up toward Snowdon’s north face; the most common approach is from the Pen-y-Pass car park (Bwlch y Saethau) with a steep descent/approach. Public buses run to Llanberis from Caernarfon; the nearest railhead is Bangor (then bus/taxi). Parking at Pen-y-Pass is limited and fills early on summer weekends.
Tips for Visiting Clogwyn Du'r Arddu #
- Approach the crag from the Llanberis Path side to avoid the steepest scrambling; the path from the Pen-y-Pass car park is shorter but busier.
- If the rock is wet or frosty, turn back - the slab and crack routes are unforgiving in poor conditions.
- Bring a topo or guidebook specific to 'Cloggy' (Clogwyn Du'r Arddu) routes; many lines have local names not shown on general Snowdon maps.
Best Time to Visit Clogwyn Du'r Arddu #
Best visited during the climbing season (late spring to early autumn) when routes are most often dry; shoulder seasons offer solitude but unpredictable weather.
Weather & Climate near Clogwyn Du'r Arddu #
Clogwyn Du'r Arddu's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1890 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (214 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (209 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
