Mynydd Mawr

This is a straight forward walk over a single mountain, which does not have any major difficulties. It should be possible to complete safely in most conditions. There are good views across to the Nantlle ridge and the Snowdon Range.

We shall begin from the Rhyd Ddu car park. From here turn right and head along the road till you reach a side road which heads off to the village of Nantlle. Turn up this road, and after a short distance (before a river) there will be a path going off into the forest on your right. Follow this through the forest, and you should eventually come out at the bottom of some crags (marked as Clogwyn y garreg on the map). Forest paths are notorious for changing regularly, so you may need to adapt your route to get here.

After leaving the forest turn to your right and walk along the forest boundary. You will cross a couple of walls as the path starts to go up, and eventually leave the forest when it starts to go back down on your right. There is a ridge going up ahead of you to Foel Rudd, and you should follow this. From here you can see a gentle slope leading round to Mynydd Mawr ahead and to your right. This is over easy ground, and can be followed to the summit.

Take time to look back at the views towards the Nantlle ridge, and across to the Snowdon range. The Moel Eilio ridgedescribed in the Snowdon group is clearly visible. An alternative walk over this is to begin on the Snowdon Ranger, reverse the route from Llyn Ffynnon y Gwas to Moel Eilio, and then drop down to the woods by Bryn Mawr, and descend into Betws Garmon.

To avoid a walk along the road you can descend the same way as you ascended. Otherwise, for a variation, head down North West from Mynydd Mawr by the cliffs of Craig Cwm Du. When you reach the bottom of the cliffs cut across to the forest, and make your way through it to the road. This is an ideal alternative if you have transport at Betws Garmon.

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