Mountain Ranges around Bala

To the south of Bala is the Aran mountain range with 14 summits above 2000 ft (610 m). The Aran ridge covers the principal summits including Aran Fawddwy (2969 ft/905 m) and Aran Benllyn (2904 ft/885 m).

To the west of Bala is the Arenig mountain range with 13 summits above 2000 ft (610 m). Arenig Fawr (854 m) is the principal summit - on the summit is a memorial to American Airman whose Flying Fortress crashed on the mountain. The famous artist, Augustus John, lived in a cottage “Nant Ddu” at the foot of the mountain Arenig Fawr. This inspired him to paint views of the Arenig mountain under different light and seasonal conditions.

To the north-east and east of Bala is the Berwyn and Hirnant mountain ranges with 24 summits above 2000 ft (610 m). The three principle summits can be climbed in one walk, including: Cadair Berwyn (2723 m/ft 830 m), Moel Sych (827m/2710 ft) and Cadair Bronwen (827m2710 ft).

All parts of Snowdonia are readily accessible, including:

• Snowdon,
• Nantlle Ridge
• Tryfan and the Glyders
• Rhinogs
• Cader Idris.

Britain’s Best Hill Days
Readers of Trail magazine voted for their Best Hill Days, and both first and second choice are in Snowdonia:

• No 1: Snowdon Horseshoe including Crib Goch
• No 2: Tryfan & the Glyders

Trail magazine listed the 10 best ridge walks in Britain, of these 3 are in Snowdonia, i.e.: Nanttle Ridge, Cwm Bochlwyd Horseshoe and Crib Goch.
These walks include scrambling and are for experienced walkers.

 

The Aran Mountains

The northern-end of the Aran ridge (Llanuwchllyn) is 10 minutes by car from Abercelyn, Cwm Cywarch near Dinas Mawddwy (at the southern-end) is 45 minutes by car, alternative start points are from the A494 (Bala-Dolgellau road), at Rhydymain or Esgair Gawr,which are served by bus and only 20 minutes by car. Walking Wales magazine states: The Aran Mountains, fine steep peaks rising above a number of deep and narrow valleys seem to be the forgotten hills of Wales……their fine sweeping green flanks and near trackless ridgelines hold a wealth of wonderful quiet walks.
 

The Arenig Mountains

The Arenig mountain range encompasses several separate mountain areas, the principal mountains groups are Arenig Fawr with Moel Llyfnant; Arenig Fach; and Rhobell Fawr with Dduallt. Both Arenig Fawr and Arenig Fach have tarns situated in glaciated corries with steep crags; the south ridge of Arenig Fawr is a pleasant rocky ridge. The start points for Arenig Fawr and Fach are just 10 minutes by car from Abercelyn.
 

The Berwyn Mountains

The northern end of the Berwyn mountain range is easily reached, e.g. Llandrillo (15 minutes by car from Abercelyn), whereas the southern part is further but can be combined with a visit to Wales’s tallest waterfall “Pistyll Rhaeadr” at Tan-y-pistyll (45 minutes by car). Walking Wales recommends taking in three summits Cadair Berwyn, Moel Sych and Cadair Bronwen using the old track to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd. The path starts North of Llandrillo (15 minutes by car). 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.

Example Walks

Types of walks:

• Scenic walks: typically 3-5 hours and ascending up to 2000 ft (600 m)
• High-level walks: strenuous walks typically 6-9 miles, 5-6 hours and ascending up to 3000 ft (900 m) some may include steep terrain and scrambling

Scenic walks:

• Bala orientation walk including rivers Tryweryn and Dee, Bala town, the Caves and a Manganese mine.
• Moel-y-garnedd (1200 ft/360 m) which starts and finishes at Abercelyn and provides views of the three local mountain ranges.
• Lake Bala views walk: which traverses the ridge on the opposite side of the Lake from Abercelyn and has excellent views of the Lake, the Arenigs and the Arans, or continue to Llanuwchllyn and return by steam railway or bus.
• Mawddach Estuary: a circular walk with views of Cadair Idris as well as the famous Estuary.
• Mawddach Estuary, Mawddach Trail, Barmouth Railway Bridge, Barmouth, ferry to Fairbourne spit
• Pistyll Rhaeadr walk: a visit to Wales highest waterfall (240 ft high).
• Cwm Hirnant and the far western Berwyn Mountains: a circular walk with tremendous views.
• Precipice Walk: one of Snowdonia’s short classic walks with varied, magnificent views.
• New Precipice Walk: and Foel Ispri: the magnificent views but much quieter than The Precipice Walk.
• Barmouth Cliffs and Panorama Walk

High-level local  walks:

• The famous Aran ridge (2971 ft/906 m)
• Arenig Fawr (2800 ft/854 m) a circular walk with extensive views
• Arenig Fawr, its south ridge and Moel Llyfnant
• Rhobell Fawr (734m) and Dduallt (662m): the easy way or a strenous circuit including Rhobell y big
• The best of the Berwyns: Cadair Bronwen (2575 ft/785 m), Cadair Berwyn (2757 ft/827 m) and Moel Sych (2757 ft/827 m)
• Cadair Idris (2930 ft/893 m) the Cwm Cau circuit, Pony Track or Foxes Path
• Rhinog Fawr (2360 ft/720 m) via the Roman Steps
• Rhinog Fach
• Northern Rhinogs: splendid walking not in the main guide books

High-level Classic walks of Snowdonia:

• Snowdon the easy way (3560 ft/1085 m) or the hard way (Crib Goch)
• The Nantlle Ridge (2470 ft/734 m): a fine ridge walk some scrambling
• Tryfan & Bristly Ridge (3279 ft/999 m): some scrambling, exposed parts
• The Glyder Traverse: long ridge route
• Cnicht (2297 ft/700 m) the Welsh Matterhorn
• Moel Siabod (2860 ft/872 m) option of scrambling

More examples:

Snowdon (3560 ft/1085 m) with or without the crowds:

• Snowdon the quick way - Pyg & Miner’s Tracks: the most popular route
• The Snowdon Horseshoe difficult walk, exposed,  scrambling; requires good-weather
• The Snowdon Ranger & Rhyd-Ddu paths: not as busy as the Miner’s & Pig Tracks
• The Watkin Path & South Ridge: quieter route with scree on the upper section
• Snowdon via the Llanberis Path: gently angled well maintained stony track, several cafes

Cadair Idris (2930 ft/893 m) wonderful mountain scenery:

• The Pony Track: losse scree
• Pony Path: the easiest route with a good path
• Minffordd Path: many steps!
• Circuit of Cwm Cau wonderful mountain scenery