Daear Ddu (East Ridge) ^{Grade 1***}

Moel Siabod stands at 872m, below the magic 3000ft mark and thus ignored by many.

The flank it presents to the main Snowdonian mountains is also quite uninspiring, which helps to explain its relative unpopularity. However, if a devious approach is made round the back of the mountain then an easy scrambly ridge leads up to the trig point. Save this for a busy weekend and escape the Snowdonian crowds!

A long (1-2hrs) secnic approach leads to the start of the route. A path bypasses all difficulties making this route a good introduction to scrambling. Begin at Capel Curig and walk along the road heading SE out of the village.

At the hotel cross a footbridge over the river into some woods, and climb a stile into a field. Cross the field and follow a track left to reach a minor road. Turn right then take a track heading uphill, before a path leads to a ruined building. Cross a stile here and strike off along the track. The track leads to an unnamed lake. Take the path round the right side of the lake and on past slate heaps and quarry pools.

Eventually you reach Llyn y Foel with Daear Ddu looming beyond. The ridge looks daunting from here but is in fact comfortably wide. The path leads to the base of the ridge. Clamber over boulders to gain its broad back.

From here a path avoids most of the scrambling but head for the rock for maximum enjoyment. There is scope for some reasonably tricky steps, particularly towards the right side of the crest. Route finding is simple; just follow the ridge up until you reach the trig point.

The best descent is to head NE along the summit cliffs then N along the path. Some navigation difficulties may be encountered in the forest however.