2 Er yri (Snowdonia)
Could these neglected hills of southern Eryri be the best you’ve never climbed? There’s only one way to find out!
LINEAR RIDGE TRAVERSE
DIFFICULTY MEDIUM
DISTANCE 15.5KM
TIME 6-7 HOURS
TOTAL ASCENT 750M
PEAK BAGGER STATS TRAIL 100S 1
It’s difficult to get excited by the Dyfi Hills. “The what, the where?” I hear you say. Climbed by many as a ‘mopping up’ exercise, these steep, grassy mountains lack the height and cragginess of near neighbours Cadair Idris and Aran Fawddwy – qualities which are highly sought after.
These deficiencies, nevertheless, are made up for by miles of undulating ridge walking, unencumbered by technical difficulties and untroubled by the masses. But for a few stile crossings and a tricky descent here and there, hands can be left in pockets and the mind switched to stand-by mode.
Uninspiring? You might be forgiven for thinking so, however a linear traverse of the Dyfi Hills is a thing of beauty and freshness. Afforested slopes juxtapose bare northern cwms with their vast, smooth sides which rise to moorland summits linked by a slender crest. Maesglase is your ultimate goal, dominating the range and always in view once the ridge is gained. Appearing brutish and uncomplicated from afar, Maesglase reveals its true nature in descent, providing the highlight of the day with an array of impressive crags and a fine waterfall. What better way to end a walk than by saving the best to last?
1 SH752135 From the parking area, turn left and carefully follow the road for 400m to a stile which gains the Cambrian Way. The path rises through a slatey gully before following a wall onto more open country. Continue over a single-track road and pick up a vague path which meanders up onto the ridge of Mynydd Ceiswyn. If in doubt, head straight up! On the ridge you are met by a fence, a stile and encroaching forestry. Keeping the fence on your right, allow the ridge to take you over minor lumps and bumps to Waun Oer’s attractive trig point. Here you will notice two things; the view over to the Tarrens and Cadair Idris is remarkable, and Maesglase looks a long way away! Stay with the fence and make a steep and somewhat unpleasant descent into a narrow col. A more sensible path climbs onto Cribin Fawr; baggers will make the short detour north-east to tag the highest point.
2 SH794152 Keeping with the Cambrian Way, rational walkers will cross the stile and, with the fence on their left, descend to another col which feels wonderfully remote. Others will place the fence to
