There are lots of mountain walks in Eryri that can take less than 3 hours – This is a brilliant circular walk that takes in the North East ridge of Moel Hebog and descends via Y Braich.

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

Always carry a phone.

If in doubt – turn around and head home.

Distance: 6 km Duration: 3 hours

Dog Friendly: 8/10 Height Gain: 750 meters

Car Park/ Start Point: HERE Grid Ref: SH 5873 4811

>>>OS MAPS LINK <<<

Moel Hebog via North East Ridge

A circular walk taking in the summit of Moel Hebog, starting from Beddgelert. This walk takes the North East ridge to the summit then descends via the North slope towards Y Braich . Brilliant for West Coast summit views, continuous climbing that gets steep in places and lonely, early, starts. We’ve done this route LOADS in Summer and Winter, it’s great in shorts or in down jackets, this description has a bit more focus on a Winter walk.

Start.

The car park in Beddgelert is central, well signposted, and easy to find – it’s a pay and display car park that’s big enough to never fill up in the Winter. We really, really recommend an early start, Moel Hebog is a great mountain to climb early, cold and lonely.

There are public toilets in the centre of Beddgelert, they are a few hundred meters from the carpark, there are cafes, outdoor shops and pubs in the village.

If you’re walking up Moel Hebog in Winter and there’s snow and ice on the ground you might need crampons and a single ice axe – if you’re carrying them, make sure you know how to use them.

Ice Axes

We’ve only used ices axes when descending the North facing slope of Moel Hebog, it’s steep and slidey.

From the car park Head West through the wooden gate towards the Steam Railway station, the route runs parallel with the railway line before turning left onto a tarmac access road that points towards the summit of Moel Hebog.

The route is signposted and obvious as it turns right through a wooden gate opposite a stone built holiday home, you’ll follow the track through scrubby heather and rank grass.

Onto the Mountain

Once you come through the gate and walked 150 meters along the gravel track you’ll turn left onto a less distinct path that starts to drift towards the mountain through scrubby grass, constantly climbing towards the summit.

The route get’s steeper as you ascend the, occasionally craggy, lower section of the North East ridge. Pass through the tall drystone wall via a metal gate that opens onto steeper ground. IGNORE the public right of way marked on the map – it doesn’t go anywhere. Our route follows the ridge and the black dashed ‘visible footpath’ on the map.

Steeper Ground

The steeper ground you come onto might require you to use your (gloved) hands occasionally – we have never felt the need to use ice axes or crampons on this section of the route.

There are some patches of loose and chossy rock higher up, be aware of your footing and people walking below you.

As you get close to the summit the slope will level out and the last 300 meters climbs much more gently to the cairn and trig point.

The North Facing Slope

From the summit of Moel Hebog head due North down the wide, steep, slope – choose wide zig zags or aim straight down. After approx. 400 meters the slope becomes less steep, turn East and head towards a noticeable gap in the craggy ground that makes up the North Ridge of Moel Hebog.

Continue to descend, handrailing the North Ridge, there are short, steep, scrambley sections to negotiate. Once you reach Bwlch y Ci the path is defined and easy to follow, the route follows the gentle ridge of Y Braich before dropping into the valley through craggy ground and re-joining the path you used to ascend.

Back to Beddgelert

Retrace your steps, following the path then the road and track back to the carpark in Beggelert

Variations

You can extend this walk very easily – try taking in Moel yr Ogof to add a second summit and a few extra km. OR for an even bigger day include Moel Lefn and descend through Beddgelert Forest.

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That’s it – all done. Enjoy.

Closest decent coffee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9kV8gq2hVW25AggJ8

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

The post Walks in Eryri – Moel Hebog in Winter appeared first on Explore Wild Wales.

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

>>>OS MAPS LINK <<<

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/

The post Shorter Mountain Walks in Eryri – Moelwyn Mawr West Ridge appeared first on Explore Wild Wales.

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

>>>OS MAPS LINK <<<

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/

The post Shorter Mountain Walks in Eryri – Craig Cwm Silyn appeared first on Explore Wild Wales.

Cnicht – Circular Walk

There are many mountain walks in Eryri that can take less than 3 hours – this one a classic

This is a walk that we enjoy. 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: 620 meters

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

OS MAPS LINK <<<

Cnicht From Croesor

A circular walk taking in the summit of Cnicht, descending to Bwlch Y Battel and then back to the start. Cnicht is fondly called the ‘Welsh Matterhorn’, mainly because it’s ever so pointy – especially when you look at it from Snowdon Street in Porthmadog. This is an easy walk but short sections might require the use of your hands, sometimes the route feels a little exposed.

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 cross the wooden footbridge and head up hill on the road through the village. There will be a large chapel ahead of you and to the right, you’re going to walk past that chapel and continue up, over the hill.

At the bottom of that first little climb and at the end of the tarmac road you’ll go through two gates as the path changes from tarmac to stone track and starts to climb again. You’ll be surrounded by young oak woodland with a dry stone wall to your left.

On The Hill.

The path will flatten out a little and there’s a signposted track (600m from start) that runs off to your right (North East) through a wooden gate, you’re still walking on a stone track as you gently climb towards the very obvious steeper ground. This is a popular route and there are very visible sign posts pointing you in the right direction. From this point your pretty much climbing until you reach the summit of Cnicht, you’ll pass through two gates, some of the ground can hold the wet.

Starting to climb

You’ll approach a great rib of rock that the path contours around, there’s a stile (2.1km from start) just before this rib of rock. Once you’ve made your way around that chunky lump of rock there’s a short stretch of level ground before the climb gets steeper on a well worn path that is very easy to follow. Keep on stomping upwards, Cwm Croesor is below you, it’s a beaut walk. Just before the final, steeper, section of climbing there’s a great flat area (2.9 km from start) with lots of sheltered spots to stop for a quick break. After the ‘rest area’ the path gets steeper and heads up the right side of the craggy ground ahead, you may have to use your hands through this section, it’s a really fun little scramble if you keep to the ridge.

The Top of Cnicht

The summit of Cnicht (3.2 km from start) is distinct, craggy and pointy – there’s space to stop for a brew with a view. You cannot miss the path that continues, gently descending, North East along the ridge – continue along that high ground (which is part of the Cambrian Way). After a kilometre you’ll want to turn sharp left (West) and descend that gently sloping ground that runs down to Llyn y Biswail. You’re aiming for the Southern tip of the Llyn and the start of the stream that runs from it (4.5 km from start). Follow that stream down stepper, more interesting ground, at the bottom of the slope the stream intersects a well built dry stone wall. You’re aiming for the footpath approx. 300 meters further West along that dry stone wall. You might choose to stay on slightly higher ground when heading for the footpath – it can get damp down low.

Heading Home

You’re following that footpath all the way home. The route has higher ground to both sides as you continue South along a visible footpath that is marked as going straight through a small lake (6 km from start). Do NOT walk straight through that lake, walk AROUND the lake. The cave is NOT worth exploring and you’ll start to descend a bit quicker as the path becomes a stone track that re-joins the route you used to climb the mountain earlier in the day. You’ll know exactly where you are and will be able to find your way back to the car with no problems.

Variations

There’s loads of walks that take in Cnicht, and, if you’re starting from Croesor then most of them start the same – the first 3km take you to the top of Cnicht. From the top of Cnicht, as well as the route above, you can; head back the way you’ve come, descend into Cwm Croesor via Llyn Cwm y Foel or, for a longer day, continue the obvious loop and climb the North West slope of Moelwyn Mawr before descending the quarryman’s track back into Croesor.

That’s it – all done. Enjoy.

Closest decent coffee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zivqe9brPfGZEaDf8

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

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Mynydd Graig Goch – Circular Walk

There are many mountain walks in Eryri that take less than 3 hours – this one a favourite

This is a walk that we enjoy. 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: 6 km Duration: 2 hours

Dog Friendly: 8/10 Height Gain: 400 meters

Car Park/ Start Point: HERE Grid Ref: SH 4879 4989

OS MAPS LINK <<<

Mynydd Graig Goch

A circular walk taking in the summit of Mynydd Graig Goch is a glorious, short, mountain blast. We think its perfect for an evening walk. The view from the top look out onto the Llyn, Ynys Mon and The Irish Sea, sunsets are impressive – don’t forget a headtorch for the walk down.

Start

You can see the whole, wonderful, route from the car park. Look to the mountains, on your left you’ll see Garnedd Goch and the start of Nantlle Ridge, over to the right is the broad summit of Mynydd Graig Goch.

Footbridge

There’s a wooden footbridge next to the carpark, cross that bridge and cross the ladder stile over the drystone wall, follow the reasonably worn in track almost due East. The track starts to climb straight away and continues to climb towards Bwlch Cwmdulyn until you reach a tumble down section of the dry stone wall.

Drystone Wall

Here, on a another day, you might turn sharp left, before crossing the drystone wall to climb Garnedd Goch and start the Nantlle Ridge. But, today, we’re going to cross that tumble down wall and continue to follow the track round through Bwlch Cwmdulyn and up onto the broad plateau of Mynydd Graig Goch.

The track is well work in and is hard to deviate from, you’ll see the pronounced and jagged higher ground of the mountain ahead of you. The worn in track meets the steeper, craggier ground in the middle of its mass.

Higher Ground

Once you reach the higher ground turn right (North East) and, carefully, find your way across the broken stone top towards the tall drystone wall that is crossed by another ladder stile right next to the summit ‘flag pole’.

Snack

Have a snack on the summit, take in the glorious views, then start to descend, the route down starts with a uneven, rocky section but soon reaches a worn in path that heads down hill and North East, some wooden posts also mark the line of the path.

As you get lower the path will narrow between heather on both sides then open up onto a stepper decent over a sheep cropped swathe. There’s a great boulder to stop for a minute and think about life.

Boulder

From the mighty boulder you can see the rest of the route as it snakes down hill, heading North towards the lake. There’s a fence/ stile to navigate but we’ve never had a problem getting the dogs over.

The walk finishes parallel with the lake as the track flattens over the last few hundred meters before the car park. We have heard that Llyn Cwm Dulyn is an incredible place for a swim, especially on a summers evening but we can’t condone that because there are big signs everywhere that say “DON’T YOU DARE SWIM HERE”.

That’s it – all done.

Closest coffee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zivqe9brPfGZEaDf8

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

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