Mountain ranges around Bala

To the west of Bala is the Arenig mountain range with 13 summits above 2000 ft (600 m). Arenig Fawr (854 m) is the principal summit. To the east of Bala is the Berwyn mountain range with 24 summits above 2000 ft (600 m). The best walk in the Berwyns is Cadair Berwyn (2723 m/ft 830 m). To the south of Bala is the Aran mountain range with 14 summits above 2000 ft (600 m). The Aran ridge covers the principal summits including Aran Fawddwy (2969 ft/905 m) and Aran Benllyn (2904 ft/885 m).

The Arenig mountain range viewed from the Berwyns opposite Abercelyn

Arans: The northern-end of the Aran ridge (Llanuwchllyn) is 10 minutes from Abercelyn by car, Cwm Cywarch near Dinas Mawddwy (at the southern-end) is 45 minutes from Abercelyn by car. Walks include:

• The Arans Main Traverse: 9 miles (15 km), 5 hours, a classic ridge walk (2600 ft/800 m ascent)

• Aran Circuit: 11 miles (18 km), (3400 ft/1000 m ascent) a circular walk to Aran Fawddwy (2971 ft/906 m), start/finish at Cwm Cywarch

Moel Llyfnant summit

Arenig Fawr (2800 ft/854 m): (start/finish: west-end of Llyn Celyn, 10 minutes from Abercelyn by car). Walks include:

• Arenig Fawr including Foel Boeth and Moel Llyfnant, 11 miles (18 km), (3300 ft/1000 m ascent).

• Arenig Fawr: A circular walk over an isolated mountain, 8 miles (12 km), 4-5 hours, (1800 ft/550 m ascent)

Berwyns: the northern end of the Berwyn mountain range is easily reached, e.g. Llandrillo (15 minutes minutes from Abercelyn by car), whereas the southern part is further but can be combined with a visit to Wales’s tallest waterfall “Pistyll Rhaedr” at Tan-y-pistyll (45 minutes from Abercelyn by car). Walks include:

·         Cadair Berwyn Horseshoe: 9 miles (14 km), (2600 ft/800 m ascent) start/finish: Tyn y ffridd (40 minutes from Abercelyn by car) near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant

·         Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn and Moel Sych from Llandrillo (15 minutes from Abercelyn by car): a strenuous, circular walk that includes the three major peaks of the Berwyns 11 miles (17 km), (2950 ft/900 m ascent) Or start at Tan y Pistyll (45 minutes by car) to Moel Sych and Cadair Berwyn via Llyn Lluncaws and the secret path, which weaves up the outcrops west of the lake almost invisible from below.

·         Pistyll Rhaeadr (Spout) waterfall (240 ft high): 3 miles (5 km), easy Tan-y-pistyll (45 minutes by car)

·         Berwyns (2713 ft/827 m): 7 miles (12 km), 4 hours, difficult walk (2100 ft/650 m ascent), start/finish: Tan-y-pistyll (45 minutes by car)

Cadair Idris (2930 ft/893 m): (south of Dolgellau, 35 minutes drive from Abercelyn) has several routes:

• The Cwm Cau circuit 8 miles (13 km)

• The Pony Track: 5 miles (9 km)

• The Fox & Pony Path: 9 miles (14 km), 6 hours (3300 ft/1000 m ascent)

• Minffordd Path: 7 miles (11 km), 5 hours (2500 ft/750 m ascent).