Cadair Berwyn Summit

Lying just to the east of the Snowdonia National Park boundary, hikes up Cadair Berwyn take you to the top of one of the most significant peaks outside Wales’ national parks. Thanks to its easterly position, rambling in the Berwyn range provides fantastic views of Snowdonia as well as the undulating landscape east, towards the English border. 

The hiking trails to Cadair Berwyn provide highly achievable adventures which are easy to extend, depending on the weather and your energy levels. There’s nothing technical here but, at 2,730 feet (832 m), the ridgeline views provide rewards disproportionately greater than the effort required to reach them. Perfect for family hikes and practicing winter hill walking, this Marilyn is a lovely objective. 

A gateway mountain to Wales’ endless splendour

An excellent starting point is the Tan-y-pistyll car park to the south of Cadair Berwyn. Here you’ll be able to park, use the public toilets and even take in the fantastic Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall nearby. From here, you can choose from a variety of hiking trails and make your way up the grassy side of Moel Sych. 

At almost exactly the same height, the ridge between Moel Sych and Cadair Berwyn thankfully requires almost no descent and you’ll reach Berwyn’s highest point before you reach the trig point. From this summit ridge, its craggier east face drops away to reveal the many subsidiary tops nearby. Look west for miles over southern Snowdonia and its rolling hills. 

You can choose to start from many spots and keep hiking further along the ridge if you choose. In winter, a snowy dusting is stunning and inexperienced winter walks should be mindful of the weather and turn back if it’s too challenging. 

Base yourself in Y Bala, Corwen or Llangollen for plenty of amenities.