■Distance: 7½ miles/11.9km ■Time: 5 hours ■Grade: Challenging
CHALLENGE WALK
CHOSEN BY… MATTHEW PIKE
The three hills climbed on this walk are on the western side of Snowdonia and are separate enough from the higher summits to provide broad views ranging from the north coast to the park’s southern summits. On the eastern side of Moel yr Ogof is a cave supposedly used as a hiding place by Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr, when he was fleeing from the English.
1 Start
From far L corner of car park from main entrance, take path towards Rhyd Ddu, turning R following path. When path bends L, continue on unsealed path, through gate then L under bridge. Turn R then quickly L through small gate, turn R and follow path round to L with stream on R. Continue through old gate and L on lane.
2¼ mile/0.5km
Lane becomes track, crosses railway twice. Upon leaving wood, just past barn, turn R following a sign towards Rhyd Ddu. Follow good track, then turn L at a footpath sign following narrow path. Head over the stile and follow the grass track up the hillside, cross the wall and continue uphill, going through the gate in the second wall.
3 1 mile/1.8km
Follow path onto ridge. Aim just to L of summit until steep scrambly section where path is unclear in places with spells of loose shingly rock. Keep R on ascent then, at ridge, turn L for easy final ascent to top of Moel Hebog.
4 2 miles/3.3km
R at main cairn, following wall downhill to saddle, then continue up gap between two rock
