Moelwyn Mawr Summit

The central peak of the Moelwynion to the south east of the Snowdon group, Moelwyn Mawr is a grand viewpoint often overlooked by the masses that flock to the more decorated peaks in the north. Hikes to Moelwyn Mawr are for those that enjoy subtlety, serenity and solitude.

The Moelwynion are peppered with the vestiges of a once thriving slate mining industry. Walking routes to Moelwyn Mawr invariably discover the remnants of this time. Disused quarries, ancient tramways and miners’ tracks add Victorian interest to the already beautiful surroundings.

A superb peak set in a land of Victorian, as well as modern, industry

It is common to link Moelwyn Mawr with its sister peak Moelwyn Bach to the south. The connecting Craigysgafn ridge involves some easy scrambling. The reservoir of Llyn Stwlan and its impressive dam make for an interesting section of any route. They form a part of the Ffestiniog Power Station pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant.

From the summit, Cnicht’s lengthy ridge is seen in profile, betraying the sharp peak it appears to be from Croesor. Beyond this is Snowdon’s complex mass, with shapely Yr Aran and the broad southern flanks of Y Lliwedd occupying either end of Cwm Tregalan. You can see 15 lakes dotted about the landscape at various heights, underlining the complexity of the surrounding terrain.

Expeditions usually begin from either Croesor or the Vale of Ffestiniog, though the latter has more by way of accommodation. If starting from Croesor, the Beddgelert region has guesthouses and camping.

In winter conditions the use of an ice axe and crampons may be useful but it is rare that mountaineering skills and equipment are totally necessary.