Moel Siabod stands slightly apart from the main Eryri ranges, its dark bulk rising south of the village of Capel Curig across the valley from the Glyderau. This slight separation is the mountain’s great gift: from the summit, the entire Snowdon Horseshoe and the Glyderau are laid out in one sweeping panorama that is, on a clear day, simply one of the best views in Wales.
Quick Facts
- Height: 872m (2,861ft)
- Grade: Moderate walk; short Grade 1 scramble on the east ridge
- Start point: Pont Cyfyng, Capel Curig (SH 737 572)
- Time: 3 to 4 hours return
- Don’t miss: The panorama of the Snowdon Horseshoe from the summit
The Mountain
Moel Siabod is a more straightforward mountain than its neighbours but no less rewarding. From Capel Curig and Llynnau Mymbyr it presents a symmetrical, satisfying profile. The summit is a rocky ridge with a trig point and a small shelter.
The eastern face of Moel Siabod drops into a cwm containing Llyn y Foel, a quiet lake rarely visited except by those climbing the mountain. The east ridge (Daear Ddu) above the lake involves a short section of easy scrambling, nothing demanding but enough to give the final part of the ascent some character and a sense of achievement.
The rock is Ordovician volcanic material of the kind found across much of Eryri. Heather and moorland grasses cover the lower slopes, giving way to sparse vegetation and exposed rock near the top.
Routes to the Summit
Via Pont Cyfyng and the East Ridge: The standard and most popular route. From the stone bridge at Pont Cyfyng, just off the A5 east of Capel Curig, a track climbs past old quarry workings and across open moorland to Llyn y Foel. Above the lake the east ridge narrows and a short scramble leads to the summit. Allow around 3.5 hours return.
Most people make this a circuit: up past the quarry pool to Llyn y Foel and the Daear Ddu ridge, then down the grassy north-east flank and through the forest back to the Afon Llugwy. Published route descriptions put the round at around 10 to 11km with roughly 730 to 790m of ascent, and most walkers take 4 to 5 hours with stops. Above Llyn y Foel the path to the ridge is less obvious than the main track, so keep an eye on the map.
From Capel Curig village: Starting from the village, paths cross the valley and climb through the forest to the north-east ridge. Slightly longer, with pleasant lower valley scenery, and a good option for a circuit with the Pont Cyfyng route.
The direct route from Capel Curig starts near the National Park car park or from the Plas y Brenin side of the village, crosses the Afon Llugwy and follows forestry tracks, waymarked in places, onto the open mountain. It is around 10km there and back, roughly 4 hours. The upper path is clear but badly eroded in places, and the final stretch to the summit can need compass work in mist. It also makes a natural descent for anyone who has come up Daear Ddu.
From Dolwyddelan: A longer, quieter route from the south through forestry and open moorland. Less popular but useful for those staying in the Lledr valley and wanting a full mountain day.
Dolwyddelan has a station on the Conwy Valley railway line, so you can start this route straight from the train. A boggy, pathless approach from Pen-y-Gwryd to the west is also possible, and very quiet, but it is the least interesting way up.
The Daear Ddu Ridge
Daear Ddu, “black earth”, is the rocky east ridge rising from Llyn y Foel to the summit. It is a Grade 1 scramble: you will use your hands on rough rock for a stretch, with some exposure but no technical moves on the easiest line. In dry conditions it is a perfect first taste of scrambling. In wet weather the rock is slippery and the ridge feels far more serious; the walking route from Capel Curig is the safer choice then. If you enjoy Daear Ddu, our guide to scrambling in Eryri covers where to go next.
Practical Notes
Moel Siabod is often described as a half-day mountain, and in summer conditions the ascent from Pont Cyfyng can be done in around 3 hours. However, the summit can be surprisingly exposed, and the east ridge scramble needs care when wet. The mountain is an excellent choice for those new to Welsh hillwalking who want a taste of higher ground without the crowds of Yr Wyddfa, and it features in our round-up of classic mountain walks beyond Yr Wyddfa. In winter, it can make a good introduction to winter hillwalking for properly equipped and experienced parties, in stable conditions. Read our winter safety advice for the mountains of Eryri first.
Parking and Buses
For the Pont Cyfyng routes, the Bryn Glo car park on the A5 (postcode LL24 0DT) is a short walk from the bridge, and there is also roadside parking near the waterfalls at Pont Cyfyng. Park considerately and never block gateways or the narrow lane. For the Capel Curig routes there is a National Park Authority car park in the village. The TrawsCymru T10 (Bangor to Corwen via Betws-y-Coed) and the Sherpa’r Wyddfa S1 between Betws-y-Coed and Pen-y-Pass both run through Capel Curig, so a car-free day is very possible. Check current timetables on Traveline Cymru before you rely on a return bus.
Safety on Moel Siabod
- Check the Met Office mountain forecast or MWIS for Snowdonia the evening before. Moel Siabod is isolated and catches the full force of the wind.
- Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. OS Explorer OL17 and OL18 both cover the mountain. The summit is broad and rocky, and the start of the descent path is not obvious in cloud.
- Wear walking boots and take waterproofs, warm layers, food and water, even on a bright summer morning.
- In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Moel Siabod?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for a straightforward up-and-down from Capel Curig or Pont Cyfyng, and 4 to 5 hours for the full circuit via Llyn y Foel and Daear Ddu.
Is Moel Siabod suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers with proper kit in good weather. Take the walking route from Capel Curig if you want to avoid any scrambling, and choose a clear day so you get the view.
Do you have to scramble to reach the summit?
No. Daear Ddu is the most enjoyable way up, but the routes from Capel Curig and Dolwyddelan are walks, if steep and rough in places.
What can you see from the top?
On a clear day, the Snowdon Horseshoe, the Glyderau and the Carneddau line the northern and western horizon, with views east across the Conwy valley and south towards the Moelwynion.