| Length |
8 km |
| Height gain |
820 m |
| Highest point |
770 m |
| Approximate time |
4-5 hrs |
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This is an enjoyable walk over the main peaks in the Moelwyns, those being
Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach. It involves a walk up a disused incline, before
gaining the grassy slopes of Moelwyn Mawr and onto the rockier Moelwyn Bach,
before walking back down the road from the Stwlan Dam. The only disadvantage
is that both the Snowdonia and Harlech maps are needed to cover the walk.
Transport to the beginning is best by car to Tanygrisiau or Ffestiniog, unless
you are able to get the train from Llandudno Junction, which is an enjoyable
ride through.
Start from the minor road at GR 684452. From the small car park turn left,
and make your way up the road which leads to the Stwlan Dam. We do not stay on
this for long however, and soon you will see a disused incline on your right.
You should make your way carefully up this. If you stop to look back you will
be able to see down to Ffestiniog and the slate quarries. You will pass
through a tunnel, and when you come out the other side you should bear round
to the left. There are several old quarries, some of which can be carefully
explored through their cave entrances.
Make your way up to the East and you will reach the summit of Moel yr-Hydd.
From here you can see Cnicht to the North-West, looking quite different from
the view of it which you get looking from the other side. To the South-West is
the long grassy slope which will take you up to Moelwyn Mawr. Follow tawr.
Follow this to the summit. In the dip between the two summits, take the time
to look at the deep hole which used to be used for mining, but again take
care.
This is the highest point of your walk, and to your South is the summit of
Moelwyn Bach, the final mountain on this walk. We head off to the South,
towards Bwlch Stwlan. The descent is quite steep. When you reach the Bwlch
take the path ahead of you which goes up the rocky side of Moelwyn Bach. From
the summit you can see over to the coast, and in good visibility Criccieth
Castle can be seen. Also look back towards the peak of Moelwyn Mawr from where
you have come. Descend the same way to the Bwlch, and make your way down to
the Stwlan Dam. Cross it, and then simply follow the road back to your
starting place.
Back to y Moelwynion
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