Clawdd Coch
🏔️ Overview
Clawdd Coch is a high rocky summit on the southern side of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Gwynedd, North Wales. Rising to approximately 931 meters (3,054 feet), it forms part of the dramatic southern ridge system of the Yr Wyddfa massif within Eryri National Park.
Although overshadowed by the 1,085-meter summit of Yr Wyddfa, Clawdd Coch is a striking feature in its own right. Walkers encounter the mountain on routes associated with the Rhyd Ddu Path and the more adventurous South Ridge (Allt Maenderyn) approach.
The upper slopes are steep, rocky, and exposed, with expansive views across western Eryri. Clawdd Coch is particularly interesting because different topographic databases calculate its prominence and isolation differently, reflecting the difficulty of defining small subsidiary summits along complex mountain ridges.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| State/Province | Wales |
| County/Region | Gwynedd |
| Mountain Range | Yr Wyddfa Massif, Eryri |
| Parent Peak | Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) |
| Elevation | 931 m / 3,054 ft |
| Prominence | Approx. 1 m / 3 ft according to Peakbagger; other databases calculate about 35 m / 115 ft |
| Isolation | Approx. 0.36 km / 0.22 mi according to Peakbagger; database estimates vary |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) |
| Coordinates | Approx. 53.0619° N, 4.0831° W |
| Protected Area | Eryri National Park |
| Landscape Type | Rocky upland ridge and subsidiary summit |
| Common Approach | South Ridge / Rhyd Ddu area |
📍 Location
Clawdd Coch lies in Gwynedd in northwest Wales, on the southern side of the Yr Wyddfa massif. The summit stands less than a kilometer from the main summit of Yr Wyddfa and is closely associated with the mountain’s quieter southwestern approaches.
The ridge occupies a dramatic position above the surrounding cwms and valleys of Eryri. From high ground around Clawdd Coch, walkers can enjoy views toward western Snowdonia, the Nantlle hills, Moel Hebog, Yr Aran, and—when visibility is good—far beyond the immediate massif.
Clawdd Coch should not be confused with several other Welsh locations sharing the same name.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
Clawdd Coch reaches approximately 931 meters (3,054 feet) above sea level, placing its summit comfortably above the 3,000-foot mark.
Its topographic prominence is more complicated.
Peakbagger currently records Clawdd Coch with only about 1 meter (3 feet) of prominence and an isolation figure of roughly 0.36 kilometer (0.22 mile). PeakVisor, however, models the summit with approximately 35 meters (115 feet) of prominence and about 208 meters of isolation.
The difference appears to result from how the summit, nearby cols, and surrounding ridge terrain are modeled by the respective databases. Because of this disagreement, Clawdd Coch is best understood as a subsidiary high point of the Yr Wyddfa massif rather than a strongly independent mountain.
Its nearest higher neighbor and natural parent is Yr Wyddfa, whose summit rises to 1,085 meters.
🪨 Geology
Clawdd Coch belongs to one of Britain’s most geologically significant mountain landscapes.
The rocks of central and northern Eryri are dominated by Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary sequences that formed hundreds of millions of years ago. During the Ordovician Period, extensive volcanic activity affected what is now North Wales, producing lava, volcanic ash, pyroclastic deposits, and other volcanic material.
The British Geological Survey recognizes two major volcanic cycles in the region, represented by the Llewelyn Volcanic Group and the Snowdon Volcanic Group.
These ancient rocks were subsequently:
- folded and faulted by tectonic forces,
- altered by metamorphism,
- uplifted,
- weathered over immense spans of time, and
- heavily sculpted by glaciers during repeated Ice Age glaciations.
Glacial erosion played a particularly important role in creating the steep cwms, cliffs, ridges, and rocky peaks that characterize the modern Yr Wyddfa massif.
Clawdd Coch’s rugged ridge landscape is therefore the product of both ancient volcanism and much younger glacial erosion.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Clawdd Coch lies within the wider upland environment of Yr Wyddfa, an internationally important area for mountain wildlife.
The harsh combination of altitude, wind, rain, exposed rock, and cool temperatures creates habitats suited to hardy upland and arctic-alpine species.
The wider Yr Wyddfa area is especially famous for the Snowdon lily, or Lloydia serotina, one of Britain’s rarest mountain plants. The species survives in inaccessible rocky habitats where grazing pressure is reduced.
Other plants characteristic of Eryri’s high mountains include:
- purple saxifrage,
- mosses and lichens,
- bilberry,
- heather,
- upland grasses, and
- other cold-tolerant alpine vegetation.
Yr Wyddfa is also associated with the rare Snowdon beetle, sometimes called the rainbow leaf beetle, which has an exceptionally restricted British distribution.
Birds that may be encountered in the wider uplands include ravens, wheatears, peregrine falcons, and red-billed choughs.
Visitors should avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife, particularly around cliffs and rocky ledges where rare species may occur.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Clawdd Coch is most relevant to hikers exploring the southern and southwestern approaches to Yr Wyddfa.
South Ridge / Allt Maenderyn
The South Ridge is the route most directly associated with the summit of Clawdd Coch. It provides a more adventurous alternative to the standard paths and climbs toward Clawdd Coch before continuing into the upper Yr Wyddfa massif.
Sections can involve steep, rocky terrain and require confident movement in exposed mountain country.
Rhyd Ddu Path
The official Rhyd Ddu Path approaches Yr Wyddfa from the west and passes close to Clawdd Coch. Rather than necessarily crossing the highest point of Clawdd Coch, the standard path skirts parts of the summit area before continuing toward the narrow high ridge and the final ascent of Yr Wyddfa.
Eryri National Park Authority grades the Rhyd Ddu Path as hard/strenuous. The complete Yr Wyddfa route is approximately 12 kilometers and normally requires around six hours.
Sections of the upper route are narrow and exposed, and winter conditions dramatically increase the seriousness of the ascent.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Clawdd Coch may appear very close to Yr Wyddfa on a map, but the surrounding terrain is genuine mountain country. Carry a map and compass, check the forecast and ground conditions before leaving, and be prepared to turn around if wind, cloud, ice, or visibility make the exposed upper ridges unsafe.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
For most hillwalkers, the most favorable period for exploring Clawdd Coch is from late spring through early autumn, when daylight hours are longer and snow or ice is less likely.
Even in summer, however, the weather on Yr Wyddfa can change rapidly. Low cloud can remove visibility within minutes, while strong winds can make exposed sections considerably more dangerous.
Autumn can bring beautiful visibility and quieter trails, but daylight shortens quickly.
Winter transforms the upper mountain. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and severe wind chill can turn routes that are straightforward in summer into mountaineering terrain requiring specialized equipment and experience.
Always check a dedicated mountain forecast and current ground conditions immediately before setting out.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) rises immediately northeast of Clawdd Coch. At 1,085 meters, it is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in Britain outside the Scottish Highlands.
Yr Aran lies to the south of the Yr Wyddfa massif and provides another impressive mountain objective in this part of Eryri. Its position gives excellent perspectives back toward the higher ridges around Clawdd Coch and Yr Wyddfa.
The wider landscape also contains glacial lakes, historic quarry workings, old mining remains, and mountain communities whose history has long been intertwined with the surrounding uplands.
💡 Fun Facts
- Clawdd Coch rises above 3,000 feet, despite being much less famous than neighboring Yr Wyddfa.
- It forms part of one of the most dramatic high-level approaches to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain.
- The name Clawdd Coch is commonly rendered as “Red Ridge” in historical descriptions of ascents of Yr Wyddfa.
- Nineteenth-century accounts of climbing Snowdon describe the Clawdd Coch ridge as a dramatic and intimidating feature.
- Its precise prominence is disputed between modern topographic databases.
- Clawdd Coch lies within one of Britain’s classic areas for studying ancient Ordovician volcanism.
- Walkers following the main Rhyd Ddu route may pass extremely close to Clawdd Coch without necessarily realizing that the high point has its own name.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Clawdd Coch?
Clawdd Coch reaches approximately 931 meters (3,054 feet) above sea level.
Where is Clawdd Coch?
It is located on the southern side of the Yr Wyddfa massif in Gwynedd, North Wales, within Eryri National Park.
Is Clawdd Coch part of Snowdon?
Yes. Clawdd Coch is best regarded as a subsidiary summit or high point on the wider Yr Wyddfa massif.
What is the prominence of Clawdd Coch?
Published databases disagree. Peakbagger records approximately 1 meter (3 feet), while PeakVisor calculates approximately 35 meters (115 feet). The difference reflects different interpretations of the surrounding ridge topography.
Can you hike to the summit of Clawdd Coch?
Yes. Clawdd Coch can be reached using routes associated with the South Ridge of Yr Wyddfa. The terrain is steep and mountainous, and route-finding ability is important.
Does the Rhyd Ddu Path cross Clawdd Coch?
The Rhyd Ddu Path passes very close to Clawdd Coch and skirts the high point in the upper part of the route. A South Ridge variation can take walkers directly over Clawdd Coch.
Is Clawdd Coch difficult to climb?
The difficulty depends heavily on the route and conditions. The surrounding Yr Wyddfa routes involve steep, rocky, exposed mountain terrain. Winter snow and ice can require full mountaineering skills and equipment.
What is the nearest higher mountain?
The nearest higher neighbor is Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
🔗 Related Articles
📚 Sources
- Peakbagger – Clawdd Coch data — elevation and Peakbagger prominence data.
- Eryri National Park Authority – Rhyd Ddu Path — official route description, difficulty, safety information, distance, and terrain.
- Eryri National Park Authority – Yr Wyddfa — protected landscape, geology, rare wildlife, and conservation information.
- British Geological Survey – Ordovician Volcanism in Snowdonia — geology and volcanic history of the Yr Wyddfa/Snowdonia region.
- Snowdon Info – Allt Maenderyn / South Ridge — relationship between the South Ridge, Clawdd Coch, and the Rhyd Ddu Path.
