By Vicky · Published Oct. 4th, 2024
When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.
This walk up Mynydd Mawr Peak has lovely views across Snowdonia and finishes around a lovely lake, yet avoids the crowds.
Location
The walk up Mynydd Mawr Peak starts from the little village of Rhyd-Ddu. You can park along the road opposite the Cwellyn Arms. This pub also makes a great place for an after-walk drink! Alternatively, there’s a direct bus from Caernarfon.
Mynydd Mawr Walking Map
Tips
- This walk is mainly on small paths, sometimes steep, and through the forest at the beginning, they can be muddy. Hiking shoes/boots are recommended.
- The map for this hike is the Ordnance Survey Map OL17: Snowdon & Conwy Valley*.
- More nearby hikes will be coming soon!
Mynydd Mawr Walking Route
From the main road in Rhyd-Ddu, head past the pub and up left along the road. In roughly 100 metres, take the track on the right heading into the forest. Every now and again you get views of the valley to your right and you’ll see many lovely trees covered in moss.
After almost 1.5km, there’s a small path heading left steeply up the hill. Take this, or if it’s very muddy, you can continue a short distance to a larger trail that then zigzags back to the top of the small path. Follow the track for the next zigzag and you’ll come out of the forest onto the open moorland.
Turn right to walk along the path by the wall, admiring the great views to your left. The path gets gradually steeper and steeper, but soon you’ll be at the top of the first minor peak. It’s a perfect place to have a sit-down and admire the 360-degree view.
When you’re ready, continue onwards, contouring around the mountainous bowl in front of you. Note the dramatic viewpoint of almost vertical cliffs down to the valley below on your left, but don’t get too close!
From here it’s not too far of a walk to the top of Mynydd Mawr. There are similar views at the top, and you can see Snowdon on the opposite side of the valley. Plus on a clear day, you can just about see the sea!
Descending Mynydd Mawr
The route down begins the way you came up. However, instead of returning into the forest, take the path leading to the right across the open moor. This small trail leads down past a few old stone cottages to the lake. It can be a bit wet after heavy rain and in places the path is indistinct, but it’s not too far to the lake.
Once you reach the water, turn right to follow the lakeshore to the road. Turn left and head downhill, following the road left around the bend and back to Rhyd-Ddu village. This is the end of the Mynydd Mawr Peak walk.
The Lonely Planet Wales Travel Guide* is a good all-round guide to the country and a great place to start when planning your trip to Wales. The Wild Guide Wales and Marches* contains inspiring photos and focuses on hidden places and remote regions. If you’re heading to the hills of northern Wales, the Mountain Walking in Snowdonia Cicerone Guide* is the perfect choice.