An adventure to Moel Eilio’s superb summit via its gentle slopes is thoroughly recommended during any stay in Llanberis. While Snowdon is the most obvious objective in the region, Moel Eilio and its family of rounded, grassy peaks, make for wonderful adventures in their own right. From Llanberis, ascending Moel Eilio is energetic without being strenuous, easily fitting into an afternoon and rewarding you with sumptuous views.

A beautiful peak on the western edge of the Snowdon massif

Snowdon’s western ridge contains a number of lofty, green summits, as it stretches out towards the Menai Strait and the Isle of Anglesey. At the ridge’s termination, it rises to the broad and windswept 2,382-foot (726 m) summit of Moel Eilio.

Approaches to Moel Eilio usually start from Llanberis, where you’ll find plenty of accommodation, and ascend through farmland and past disused quarries. It can mark the start of a long expedition to Snowdon, or a delightful horseshoe walk taking in the subsidiary summits of Foel Gron and Foel Goch. Moel Eilio’s south and western flanks are steep and pathless; few venture to the summit from this direction.

Moel Eilio’s summit is a great vantage point for gazing east, along the undulating ridge towards Snowdon, a great, gentle dome from this side. Much more dramatic from here, seen across Llyn Cwrllyn, is the nearby Nantlle Ridge, which reveals something of its narrow, snaking character. The summit is also a lovely perch for looking out towards Caernarfon Bay and out to Anglesey.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

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Location: Betws Garmon, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Tips

Alex Foxfield

October 17, 2022

Hiking

The grassy summit of Moel Eilio enjoys a glorious position on the western edge of mountainous Snowdonia. You can gaze northwest and enjoy the views of Anglesey and the Irish Sea, before turning to the southeast and appreciating Snowdon’s grand architecture. Moel Eilio is easily ascended from Llanberis, while the onward walk to Foel Goch is splendid.

John VH

September 21, 2022

Hiking

An OK climb and a great view from the top far into the distance.

51m

March 10, 2023

Running

Moel Eilio is a large, rounded summit that dominates the skyline to the southwest of Llanberis. It's 2,382 feet (726 m) high with a stone-built shelter at the summit.

The ridge is great to run in either direction, with glorious views to Yr Wyddfa and the coast. The classic loop is from Llanberis and along the ridge past Foel Goch to Bwlch Maesgwm. From there you can run the fast, easy trail down the valley back to Llanberis or join the Ranger Path to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

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Moel Eilio Horseshoe Trail

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