The three western paths are the RHYD DDU path, the SOUTH RIDGE and the SNOWDON RANGER path. The Rhyd Ddu path is the shortest and quickest but is pretty uneven in some places, the Snowdon Ranger path is the longest and is mostly easy going and the South Ridge comes somewhere between the two. A recommended route taking 5/6 hours is to go up the Rhyd Ddu path and come down the Snowdon Ranger path with a variation at the lower end which enables one to start and finish at Rhyd Ddu.

UP. Starting at the car park go north up the track and take the gate to the right. After about 1 km. the track levels out and at this point there is a gate on the left which leads on to the Rhyd Ddu path proper. (If going on to the South Ridge go straight on up the track and turn left by the wall at the Bwlch Cwm Llan.) Both tracks are well worn and easy to follow.

DOWN. The Llanberis path and the Snowdon Ranger path are one and the same at the top and follow the railway track closely for about ½ km. After this go to the left of the railway and pick up the start of the Snowdon Ranger path.(This can be difficult in bad visibility. If the railway track starts curving to the right you have gone too far. Backtrack a little and strike out at right angles to the track until you pick up the path going to the right). After reaching the Bwlch Cwm Brwynog carry on along the path for 1½ km. and you will come across a stile to the left. Shortly, marker posts appear which lead down to a stile in the fence. (Those wishing to go crosscountry from a point further back should aim for a large prominent boulder and continue in this line to the fence. It is essential to locate the stile; look for the horizontal yellow tubing.) The marker posts continue to the slate tips ahead and go closely round round the bottom edge of the tips, (bridge over stream), then up into the tips and along again. The posts finally converge with the railway line where gates lead through to more marker posts. The pub is clearly visible here and if you have a mobile phone you can ring the landlord to get the pints on the bar when you are within striking distance. The posts try to lead you off to the left but there is a perfectly good ROW through the kissing gate opposite the pub.

Alternative paths (P) can be accessed from the Snowdon Ranger path and lead down to the main road. The start is extremely difficult to see but is directly opposite a signpost to Llanberis.