Description
About Cnicht & Moelwyn Mawr
Located in Snowdonia’s Moelwynion range of mountains, about 10km South of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cnicht is a highly recognizable cone shaped mountain which is sometimes referred to as ‘The Matterhorn of Wales’ due to its pointy shape when viewed from Croesor. This route begins in Croesor and ascends Cnicht in a North Easterly direction to the summit. On a clear day the views from Cnicht’s summit are simply beautiful and you get a good view of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), as well as many more of the surrounding mountains to the North as well as views out to sea to the SW.
After Cnicht, we will then walk along the ridge before descending into the valley, where we’ll visit the old quarry at Rhosydd. This really is an impressive place, literally in the heart of the mountains. Built on several levels and opened in 1853, the quarry is full of history relating to the Welsh slate industry, as are so many places in Snowdonia and you’ll be able to see the abandoned buildings (including a street of quarrymen’s cottages). There’ll be many photo opportunities and even on a bad weather day, this is a great place to explore.
We’ll then proceed from the quarry up to the summit of Moelwyn Mawr, which again has extensive views of the entire area (weather permitting), before descending back to the village of Croesor to end the day.
This really is an absolute gem of a route and one of the best in Snowdonia to get away from the usual crowds and to experience a more remote area, as well as having the added bonus of the impressive and historic quarry to visit too!
You’ll get to have an unforgettable and fun day out in one of Wales’s most beautiful locations.
Route Facts – Cnicht & Moelwyn Mawr Guided Hike.
Route Name: Cnicht & Moelwyn Mawr (including Rhosydd quarry).
Distance: 8 miles (12.9km)
Total Ascent: 3,692ft (1,125m)
Time to Complete: 6-7 hours.
Summits Covered: Cnicht, Cnicht North Top, Moelwyn Mawr
Welsh Nuttalls: 3
Start point: Croesor. (OS grid ref SH 63151 44673)
Route Type: Circular
What to Expect / Previous Experience
Most of the walks I offer are suitable for beginners with no hillwalking experience, although you should be reasonably fit, be able to walk up to 9 miles on rough terrain and expect a physically demanding day in the hills. The Cnicht route is a mountain route with a mixture of grassy paths and rough, rocky terrain and has over 1,100m of ascent (height gain).. There is also a very small section of easy scrambling just before the summit of Cnicht. If you’re already an active person who’s used to walking a few miles at the weekends or you have done mountain routes before without issue – or are pretty fit and healthy then you should be fine. Please let me/us know if there are any physical or medical conditions beforehand and we will proceed accordingly.
It is also worth remembering that the weather can also play a big factor in the day with wind, rain and poor visibility (ie. not many views). The temperature can be considerably colder higher up on the hills than it is down in the valley. Despite poor weather we will still have a fab fun day out. I can honestly say I’ve never not enjoyed a day in the hills, even when it’s been chucking it down with rain (it can even actually make it more fun sometimes).
What You Will Need to Bring
When you book with us, you will be sent a full kit list of what you will need to bring on the day. It is your responsibility to make sure you have these things or you won’t be able to go up the mountain. The weather can turn extremely quickly and it’s important that each member of the group is sufficiently prepared for this, as well as has enough food and water for themselves for the walk.
A typical kit list for a day hike would include:
• 35 Litre (ish) Backpack.
• Lunch (eg sandwiches).
• Snacks to eat along the way for energy.
• Water (1.5 litre recommended, no less).
• Warm Hat & Gloves.
• Midlayer (eg. Fleece) & a spare.
• Waterproof Jacket.
• Suitable trousers for hiking in the rain (not jeans, joggers or similar).
• Waterproof overtrousers (to wear if needed over your hiking trousers).
• Suitable hiking boots for rough / mountainous terrain (not trainers).
• Warm jacket (in case we stop) – a down jacket or something similar.
• We recommend wearing Merino wool hiking socks for comfort.
• Sun protection (suncream & sunglasses).
• Any medication you may need.
Optional:
• Walking Poles (some people find they help, others don’t).
• Head Torch.
• Camera
Your Mountain Leader / Guide will carry a group First Aid kit, navigational equipment, maps and emergency group shelter.
About Me, Your Guide
Adrian Conchie – Mountain Leader
Extremely passionate about being outdoors, I offer guided walks in the Mountains and hills of the Lake District, Snowdonia, Peak District & Yorkshire Dales, as well as other low level hiking trails. I spend nearly every moment of my spare time either in the mountains, or hiking various trails in the UK. I like to set myself challenges and I am currently climbing all 446 mountains of England & Wales (currently I have done 362). I have also completed several other challenges, like completing all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, doing the 47 mile Windermere Way in 1 day, the 77 mile Cumbria Way in 2 days, the West Highland Way in 3 days and more!
I believe the outdoors provides an unbeatable way of keeping healthy, both physically & mentally. It is the perfect way to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and being outdoors amongst nature is personally my ultimate therapy. I love being able to inspire others and to show them the benefits that the Outdoors can bring, which is one of the reasons I became a Mountain Leader.
Will you still go in bad weather?
In most cases, we will still go out and proceed with the route if there is rain, poor visibility and moderate wind. However, the safety of the group is my main priority and as I’m sure you can understand if I/your guide deems the weather conditions to be dangerous, (very strong winds / thunderstorms for example) – then I will make the decision to cancel that particular route and offer an alternative. I always like to have a plan B and in most areas, we can still have a fabulous, fun and memorable day out doing a lower-level route whereby the weather would be less of a concern.
Any Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the Cnicht and Moelwyn Mawr guided walk, or any other route. I’d be happy to help – Click Here to get in touch.
Book Me Privately For a Cnicht & Moelwynion Guided Hike
(If the hike is for more people than what is offered in the booking form, please contact me first for a quote).
Online Booking Form:
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.