Arenig Fawr & Moel Llyfnant
Open dates 2026: Wednesday 26th August 2026 This event is now guaranteed to run! The mountains of the Arenig are seriously overlooked, especially considering how centrally & obvious they sit alone right in the centre of the national park. Arenig Fawr is the highest mountain of the range at 854m and Moel Llyfnant, just next door, is the second highest at 750m. Arenig Fawr appears as a long ridge with with a distinct double summit from further west in Snowdonia and can be easily spotted from the top of Snowdon if clear. The walk starts on a minor road close to the reservoir of Llyn Celyn, a 10 minute drive from Bala. A moorland track meets the dark waters of Llyn Arenig Fawr with its (tiny!) bothy shelter. A mountain trail then ascends the shoulder of Y Castell and the summit slopes leading to the top of Arenig Fawr itself. Rougher, less trodden terrain, then crosses to the neighbouring summit of Moel Llyfnant where we forge a route north back to a good track and the road. The loop come in at around 16km and ascends 900 metres, not major numbers but some of the terrain underfoot can be challenging! Arenig Fawr & Llyfnant can be great spots to find some solitude away from the hussle of Snowdon and its surrounding peaks. Some highlights include the steep cliffs of Simdde Ddu, the second world war air crash memorial and being alone & remote on Moel Llyfnant's elevated summit. If a very keen & strong group present themselves then it is also possible to add on another mountain summit to the loop, Gallt y Daren at 619m. The total distance would be well over 20km at this point but is a worthwhile day for summit baggers! What's Included: A full day of guided walking from a qualified, experienced & insured mountain leader in a small and personal group. Opportunities to improve your personal mountain skillset. An emphasis on education around the landscape, local knowledge, wildlife & more. Advice regarding local travel & accommodation. Required Experience: This is a physically demanding day, even for seasoned mountain walkers. You should be comfortable on pathless & rocky terrain plus experience of walking 15km in a day. Please get in contact if you'd like to discuss the suitability of this route. Individual bookings: Spaces are £75 per person and the full balance is payable at the time of booking. Private bookings: Head to 'Bespoke Private Guiding' to check availability & book, prices start from £225, or feel free to get in contact for a custom itinerary.
