| Length |
11 km / 18 km |
| Height gain |
530 m / 880 m |
| Highest point |
689 m / 698 m |
| Approximate time |
4 hrs / 7 hrs |
|
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This is a particularly enjoyable walk on the Moelwyns, which covers the
shapely peak of Cnicht (known as the Welsh Matterhorn because of its shape
when viewed from the Beddgelert side). As with most routes on the Moelwyns
this will become fairly boggy at times, and gaiters are recommended. There are
two options. The first is a shorter route, whilst the second includes four
extra peaks and will mean all main peaks on the range are covered by this
site.
The walk starts from Blaen Nantmor, which is just up a very narrow road on
your left just after you pass the car park at Nantgwynant when driving towards
Beddgelert. There is some parking here, alternatively you can walk up the
minor road from Nantgwynant. If driving note that this is a very narrow road.
From here turn left by a house and cross a bridge, so you find yourself on a
well defined path. This will go up on the right of the river. You can see
Cnicht up ahead of you as you proceed, and if you look back you will be able
to see to the Snowdon range.
From the end of the river bear right. The path becomes less well defined as
you continue and cross a wall. Carry straight on through a gap in the high
ground to reach a small lake. Head round the left side of this little lake,
and when you reach another wall follow it up to your left, and you will reach
the ridge leading up to the summit of Cnicht.
The ridge provides good views back across to the Snowdon range, and you
should be able to pick out the path you have taken as you ascend the ridge.
There is no major difficulty on the ridge, although at one point a at one
point a small amount of scrambling is required. You will reach a flat section
of ground with a rock face in front of you, and my recommendation is to head
up to the right from where you can rejoin the ridge up to the rocky
summit.
From the summit take the time to look back, and you should see the coast,
as well as the route you have taken. Moelwyn Mawr is to your right, and this
is the subject of route 1. Ahead of you is the gentle
route along the ridge which you should take down to reach Llyn yr Adar. This
may be quite boggy, and you will be glad of the gaiters! For the shoter walk,
head around the lake, to pick up pick up a path which will lead you over the
cliffs to the North West of the lake. This will take you down near Llyn Llagi,
and back to the minor road. There are some places where the route becomes less
distinct, particularly as you near the road. Just take care to stay near the
river, and you should not have too many difficulties.
For the longer alternative you head off up a grassy slope to the ESE of
Llyn yr Adar. After a while you will reach a small lake called Llyn Coch, and
just ahead of you is the peak of Moel Druman. Behind you is the ridge of
Ysgafell Wen which you will follow later. For now head off to the East, and
you will pass Llyn Conglog on your right. The summit of Allt Fawr should stand
out ahead of you, and make your way up to it. From here you can get views
towards the Crimea Pass and the slate caverns at Llechwedd.
From here head back to Moel Druman and make your way up to the next hump
which is Ysgafell Wen. The summit is slightly to your right, and you can take
a brief detour to reach it. Follow the ridge with steep ground on your right.
You will pass several small lakes on your left before you reach the larger
Llyn Edno. For now we will pass Llyn Edno (noting the path down on the left
just pas the lake), and go on for just over five minutes before turning off
West to reach the bouldery summit of Moel Meirch. From here there are good
views across to the Snowdon Range, and towards Moel Siabod.
To descend, head off back towards Llyn Edno, but shortly before reaching
the lake turn off down a track to the right. This will head down to the WSW,
initially with crags to the left, and later following some quite boggy ground.
You will reach the Afon llyn Edno, and eventually reach the road on which you
started.
Back to y Moelwynion
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