A route which can be done in ether direction. It covers some of the same
ground as route 2, hence I will cover it in the
reverse direction. This does however have the disadvantage of a slog up Elidir
Fawr to begin with. You may want to reverse the route so that you descent this
way. The ground is straight forward and can be covered in snow relatively
safely (just take care along the ridge). There are good views along from
Elidir Fawr, both to the Snowdon range and also
down to Marchlyn Mawr the upper lake in the "Electric Mountain"
scheme (described in route 2).
Begin from the small village of Nant Peris which is just past Llyn Peris
(the lower lake in the First Hydro scheme). Follow a side road up to the left
just past the Church which is signed to camping. Take this road to its end,
and from here take the signed public footpath over fields. You will come to a
style over a wall which you should cross. The path continues up by the side of
a river. Carry on until there is a bridge over the river. Cross it and then
head up through gaps in the walls to the summit of Elidir Fawr. This is a bit
of a slog, but at the summit you will find a shelter which is ideal for lunch.
There are views of the Snowdon range back the way you have come, and you can
look round to the East and see the rest of your walk for the day.
Head off to the East following the cliffs to your left. Look down to see
Marchlyn Mawr. You will soon find yourself joining the well defined path
described in route 2. The next section of the walk is
simply a reversal of the traverse from Y Garn to Foel Goch. Once again it is
optional as to whether you include Foel Goch. When you eventually reach Llyn y
Cwn you will not head down the Devils Kitchen. Instead follow a poorly defined
track though the grass (it is likely to be boggy) which heads off to the West
by the lake. You will come to a fence which you can follow down for a
significant distance by the Afon Las. Leave it when it turns off to the right,
and continue to pick your way down just above the river. The path should be
fairly clear and will eventually bring you out on the main road from where you
can turn right and walk back to Nant Peris.
As a final suggestion for the walk it may be worth calling in the Vaynol
Arms.
