003: Northern Rhinogydd

SOLITUDE 003: NORTHERN RHINOGYDD Saturday 19th December 2026 £95 per person | Maximum 6 | Jacob-led Solitude is a numbered collection of mountain days chosen because I think they are genuinely worth doing. Usually quieter, rougher and a little less obvious than the classic Eryri routes, each edition explores a different corner of the mountains in a small group. For Solitude 003 we head into the northern Rhinogydd for a winter journey through some of the wildest terrain in Wales. THE ROUTE Starting from Cwm Bychan, we’ll head into the broken mountain country above the lake and build a journey through the northern Rhinogydd, including Clip, Moel Ysgyfarnogod and potentially including the area around Craig Wion if conditions, daylight and the group allow. Once away from the old tracks, this is some of the most uncompromising walking terrain in the Welsh mountains. Expect deep heather, rock, bog, hidden hollows, small crags and constantly changing ground. Distances can look modest on the map while progress on the ground is anything but. The exact line will be chosen around winter conditions and daylight rather than forcing a fixed itinerary. WHY THIS DAY? The northern Rhinogydd feel different from almost anywhere else in Eryri. There are few obvious lines through the landscape and very little easy ground. It is intricate, physical and wonderfully wild, with mountains that can feel remarkably remote despite their modest height. December suits it perfectly: a compact winter mountain journey where the terrain itself is the objective. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE You should have reasonable hill fitness and be comfortable spending a full day on rough, wet, rocky and often pathless mountain ground. Previous hill walking experience is strongly recommended. No scrambling experience is required. WHAT’S INCLUDED A full mountain day led by Jacob in a maximum group of six. Route choice, pacing and mountain judgement throughout the day. Pre-event advice covering kit, weather, travel and meeting arrangements. PRIVATE BOOKINGS Looking for a private Rhinogydd day, a different date or something completely different? Private Mountain Days are available throughout the year from £375.