Moelwyn – 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 West ridge of Moelwyn Mawr

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 km Duration: 3 hours

Dog Friendly: 8/10 Height Gain: 650 meters

Car Park/ Start Point: HERE Grid Ref: SH 6314 4468

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Moelwyn Mawr West Ridge

A circular walk taking in the summit of Moelwyn Mawr, starting from Croesor. This walk takes in the West ridge, descends the South slope then descends through the quarry workings on the South face. Brilliant for West coast views, a sense of the slate industry and skylarks. We’ve done this route LOADS in Summer and Winter, it’s great in shorts or in crampons

Start.

The car park in Croesor is well signposted and easy to find – it’s free, it’s not tiny but, on busy days, it can fill up so try and start early. There is a terrible portaloo in the car park but no other facilities, the car park is in village so don’t wee or poo in the car park. From the car park head South on the minor road, straight over the cross roads and through a gate, the road dips then starts to climb steeply.

After the a steep section of road there will be a grassy layby on your right and a gate on your left, go through the gate, heading North East on a 4×4 track. From the gate you’re heading, more or less, towards the summit of Moelwyn Mawr – you’ll not stop climbing until you reach the summit.

From the Stile

Once you come through a gate and start walking over longer, scrubby, grass the path will be visible but much less distinct, if in doubt head towards then follow the fence line along the high ground. The path, and the fence, lead you towards a stile that you’ll cross just before you start climbing more steeply following a tumbled drystone wall and the start of the ridge proper.

The ridge climbs fairly rapidly, you’ll be walking due East following the most accessible slopes towards the summit, the views to Cnicht on your left and Moelwyn Bach on your right are fabulous.

As you approach the summit the slope will level out and the ridge will become sharper, the ground on the North face falls away very steeply, the South slope is much more forgiving – there’s a well worn in path that snakes along the apex of the ridge to the summit trig point.

Heading Down.

From the trig point at the summit of Moelwyn Mawr start descending South West after approx. 100 meters the route turns South and descends more steeply towards the small coll between Moelwyn Mawr and Craigysgafn. At the very mid point of the coll turn right and head West, walking down a more gradual slope through and past quarry workings until you reach the ruins of a slate mill and a superbly engineered level. Follow that level contouring round the slope to rejoin the route next to the towering remains of a slate incline pulley tower.

Back to Croesor

Retrace your steps, following the path then the road back to the carpark in Croesor.

Variations

You can extend this walk very easily – try taking in Moelwyn Bach to add a second summit and a few extra km. OR for a bigger day again, descend the North West shoulder of Moelwyn Mawr and head through Rhosydd Quarry to join the Cambrian Way at SH 65698 47765 then head South East to summit Cnicht before heading back down into Croesor.

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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/