Garnedd Ugain deliberately chosen over Snowdon to escape the crowds. Cadair Idris via the classic Minffordd Path. Yr Elen — finally bagged after twice escaping on previous visits to Carnedd Llewelyn.
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Wales's second highest mountain at 1,065 m — deliberately chosen over Snowdon to avoid the crowds while still experiencing the big stuff. Starting mid-afternoon in Llanberis, the unmistakable Llanberis Path climbs for miles before a very steep 150-metre scree scramble leads to the summit. Panoramas of Snowdon itself, Anglesey, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moelwyns in all their glory — with very few people. The steep scree on the return requires particular care.
Read full description →A straightforward linear walk to bag Mynydd Graig Goch Hewitt — needed to be done so it could be ticked off the list. The grassy path provides easy walking until a final rocky scramble to the summit. Excellent views of the reservoir, impressive crags and the wider Snowdonia landscape reward the modest effort. A short but satisfying half-day outing, completed and ticked.
Read full description →A truly memorable walk — Yr Elen had escaped on two previous visits to Carnedd Llewelyn, and this route was specifically designed to finally bag it. The approach along the Afon Llafar is one of the great Carneddau valley walks, the Black Ladders crags filling the view ahead. The exposed ridge flanking Carnedd Llewelyn has serious drops to the right — not for the fainthearted. Carnedd Dafydd rewards with one of the finest Welsh panoramas, ten of the country's highest peaks visible including Snowdon. Requires full mountain kit and confident navigation throughout both wild sections.
Read full description →A thoroughly enjoyable circular taking in two Hewitts with remarkable views throughout. The climb to Tal y Fan involves hands-on scrambling rewarded by stunning vistas across the Menai Strait, Anglesey and Snowdonia. The Cambrian Way provides excellent ridge walking via Foel Lwyd. A historic Roman Road at Bwlch y Ddeufaen adds interest, and the descent crosses a disused leat — an artificial water trench from milling days. The path along the fenceline can be hard to see in places; follow it carefully.
Read full description →An outstanding circular via the classic Minffordd Path taking in Cadair Idris and two Hewitts. The path winds past the café — remember to bring money for the return — and climbs steadily around to Llyn Cau with stunning ridge views. Craig Cwm Amarch Hewitt offers amazing views down to the lake and across to the Arans. Cadair Idris's 360-degree summit panorama includes Barmouth Bay and northern Snowdonia. The long steep descent following fence and wall requires care. A classic Welsh mountain day.
Read full description →An outstanding walk in the Cadair Idris range taking in three Hewitts, with several wild walking sections requiring confident pathless navigation. Craig-y-Llyn gives superb views of Barmouth Bay; Craig Las looks north towards Cadair Idris; Cyfrwy at 811 m — the highest summit of the day — rewards with views across the Irish Sea and north across Eryri. An ascent of Cadair Idris itself can be added if you have the energy. Very limited parking at the start: 2–3 cars maximum.
Read full description →An outstanding but challenging circular through one of Wales's most distinctive landscapes, taking in three Hewitts. Significant wild walking across pathless terrain with long grass requires good navigation — the slate quarry landscape can be disorienting. Old quarry works, tramways, inclines and the dramatic destruction visible at Manod Mawr North Top provide stark industrial archaeology throughout. Manod Mawr rewards with 360-degree panoramas. The very steep wild descent and the old incline provide the fitting finale.
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