| Length |
12 km |
| Height gain |
1132 m |
| Highest point |
1085 m |
| Approximate time |
5 hrs |
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Yr Aran is another mountain on the Snowdon range which is rarely visited.
It can be taken in on its own, using the route suggested and then returning
the same way, however we will be taking in Snowdon as well, to give more
variety. There are no real escape routes, other than retracing ones steps from
Yr Aran. The majo than retracing ones steps from Yr Aran. The majority of the
walk is on well defined paths, other than the 230m of ascent up to Yr Aran
from Bwlch Cwm Llan. This ascent is over ground which is again noticeably
slippery when wet.
We will begin from the Rhyd Ddu path up Snowdon. This is on the A4085 just
past Beddgelert and before Llyn Cwellyn. There is a prominent car park which
can be used. This will also be the start point for one of the walks on the Nantlle ridge. Take the path beyond the toilets and
turn right very soon on a well defined path which is the Rhyd Ddu path up
Snowdon. You will be able to see the isolated peak of Yr Aran ahead of you.
The directions are simple enough. keep to this path and follow it up to a
crossing of paths. The Rhyd Ddu path now goes off to the left up Snowdon,
however you will contine straight ahead. The route will take you through some
quarries, to Bwlch Cwm Llan.
From the bwlch you can see the Watkin path, ahead of you, with the Moelwyns being the next range in sight. To the left is
the ridge you will follow up to Snowdon later in the day. For now, however
cross the wall in front of you and then turn right to follow the wall. This is
quite wet ground, and care will be needed to ensure you do not slip. The route
is not difficult- just follow the wall until you reach a point where you are
facing East, and the ground is dropping away in front of you, and there are
crags on the left. You now turn West, and the summit ofhe summit of Yr Aran is
approximately 0.25 km ahead of you.
From the summit you will be able to look across to the Nantlle ridge, and
Moel Hebog to the West and South West respectively. The Moelwyns are behind
you, and to your right is Snowdon. Also visible across the Watkin path is
Lliwedd, which looks quite different to the view of it which you see from Crib Goch. Descend Yr Aran by reversing the route which
has been described.
When you reach the bwlch again you can return the same way if you wish, but
I recommend continuing to the North and including an ascent of Snowdon by what
is a fairly quiet ridge. The going is not difficult, although there is a steep
drop to the right. Simply follow the ridge up, keeping the cliffs close on
your right. You will arrive at a point where the Rhyd Ddu path joins your
route, and you carry on for a further 0.75 km to reach the summit.
Your descent of Snowdon will start off by going back down to where you met
the Rhyd Ddu path. As you descend you will be able to look across to Yr Aran
from where you came. Now turn off to the right and follow the Rhyd Ddu path
down to where you started. The path will initially go past the Llechog cliffs,
which were fenced off when I was last there. It is worth taking the time again
to look across and admire the Nantlle ridge. The route is clear and will not
be described in detail, the only point to note being that you should turn
right at the crossing of paths described in the ascent, to bring you back to
your starting point.
Back to the Snowdon Range
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