Clogwyn Du'r Arddu Cliff

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.

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.

• 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.