Craig Cwm Silyn – Circular Walk

There are many mountain walks in Eryri that can take less than 3 hours – This is a brilliant circular walk that takes in the mid section of Nantlle Ridge.

If you head into the mountains YOU must make sure that you have the fitness, experience, clothing and confidence to keep yourself safe.

Always carry a phone.

Distance: 8.5 km Duration: 3 hours

Dog Friendly: 7/10 Height Gain: 530 meters

Car Park/ Start Point: HERE Grid Ref: SH 4954 5106

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Craig Cwm Silyn via Llyn Cwm Silyn

A circular walk taking in the summit of Craig Swm Silyn, starting from a carpark 3km South East of Penygroes. This walk takes in Llyn Cwm Silyn (perfect for a Swim in the shadow of the mountain) and climbs steeply to the top of the mountain before descending the Plateau and skirting the edge of Craig yr Ogof.

Start.

The car park for this route up Craig Cwm Silyn is at the end of a long narrow farm road East of Llanllyfni, it’s not big, but there’s always been space when we’ve used it. There is absolutely nothing in or close to the car park, no toilets, no info, no maps.

From the car park – walk East along the very distinct 4 x 4 track, the high ground of Nantlle Ridge looms above you; imposing, craggy and wonderful. After approx. 1.5 km you’ll head gently right and drop down towards two lakes that sit, shadowed, underneath the crag. Walk around the Western edge of the lakes and aim for the gap between them. There’s a dry stone wall to clamber over, there are stone steps built into the wall.

From the Lakes.

The path is much less distinct once you have walked between the lakes and started up the hill – head West, upwards, towards two much smaller bodies of water marked on the map, be aware – these sometimes dry out, stay South of them and contour round the lower slops of the craggy ground.

Just past the second small lake turn South West and start climbing much more steeply through the rocks, heather and bilberry – you are aiming for the Bwlch between Mynydd Tay-y-mignedd and Craig Cwm Silyn. This climb is steep and over broken ground, take your time and choose the most logical and obvious route upwards, there is rarely a visible path. After about 1 km heading upwards and West you’ll reach the defined track that runs across the Bwlch. At this point you’re turning South West to climb the ridge.

Steeper Ground.

The well defined path continues to climb steeply, South West, towards the summit of Craig Cwm Silyn. The path narrows occasionally and there are some points over which you might choose to use your hands for confidence and security. This section of the walk can feel a little bit exposed and exciting, it’s fun. The ground levels out as you approach the top of the mountain and there plenty of rocky outcrops and shelters of stone that you can use to duck out of the wind for a snack and a drink.

Heading Downwards.

The summit of Craig Cwm Silyn is a large, broad, plateau that drops gently towards a tall dry stone wall that bisects the high ground 800 meters from the summit. Cross the dry stone wall using the ladder stile and take the right hand track that heads West, following the top of the very steep ground of Clogwyn y Cysgod. You might choose to put dogs on leads during this section, the crags below the path are near vertical. As you descend, the route gently veers to head North West, the twin lakes you walked around earlier will be below you, to your right. You’re aiming to re-join the 4×4 track that you started the walk on.

Heading Home

Once you’ve re-joined the 4×4 track you’ll be heading West back to the car (or bikes), if you’re walking during the Spring there might be LOADS of skylarks above you – it’s all rather beautiful. The last 1 km is easy and obvious, you’ve already covered the ground, you can’t get lost.

Variations

You can extend this walk very easily – try taking in the obelisk at the top of Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd from Bwlch Dros-bern, just nip up and down and then re-join the main route. OR continue along the plateau to Garnedd Goch to descend down the South West slope and the take the obvious path that heads North West back to the carpark. OR do both.

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That’s it – all done. Enjoy.

Closest decent coffee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFXRFL3TvrgMQgS78

Guided Mountain Walks: https://explorewildwales.co.uk/mountain-walking/