logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Tyrrau Mawr and Craig-y-llyn from Llanfihangel-y-pennant

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Cadair Idris

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.5 miles / 15.4 km    Ascent - 2650 feet / 803 metres

Time - 7 hours 20 minutes    Grade - moderate

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL23Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL23Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 124Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 124Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Tyrrau Mawr and Craig-y-llyn from Llanfihangel-y-pennant
Click image to visit gallery of 9 images.

This excellent walk in the Southern sector of the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park offers some excellent views across Barmouth and the Mawddach Estuary. The paths are quiet and see far fewer people than neighbouring Cadair Idris, which lies to the immediate east along the ridge. The main objectives of the walk are the summits of Tyrrau Mawr and Craig-y-llyn both of which are flanked by steep crags on their northern side.

Limited parking is available on the verge just before the bridge over the Afon Cadair (Grid ref. SH673095) or in the village car park at Llanfihangel-y-pennant which adds a little extra mileage to the walk. Cross the bridge over the Afon Cadair and bear right following the track signed to Cadair Idris. This climbs steadily up the valley to reach a ford just past Hafotty Gwastadfryn from where the route steepens briefly before easing for the climb up to the col east of Carnedd Lwyd. From here the views open out and you get a grand panorama looking north to the southern Rhinogs and beyond.

At the col turn left and leave the many walkers heading east to the summit of Cadair Idris. The path climbs over the rocky summit of Carnedd Llwyd to reach the first objective of the day - Tyrrau Mawr with its north facing steep crags. From here the view is excellent especially over Barmouth and the river estuary.

Having enjoyed the view, continue westwards following the fence as you first descend and then ascend onto the summit of Craig-y-llyn again with a line of north-facing crags that drop down to Llyn Cyri far below. Continue west, descending to a broad col (Grid ref. SH654114). Turn south here to locate the track that follows the right of way south into the valley. Some detective work is required to locate this path but once found it will lead you to a wall corner (Grid ref. SH656106). From here the line of the path is easier to follow using the OS map and you soon reach the valley floor and Nant-Cawr-fawr farm.

Go through the farm and continue along the lane to Bodilan Fach and a chapel. Cross the stile to left of the chapel and continue across pastures to Maes-y-llan. If you have parked in the village car park then cross the river here and continue along the lane to the village and car park. If you have parked on the verge beside the river, then stay on the path and continue to the bridge crossed at the start of the day.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1643 Llanfihangel-y-pennant & Castell y Bereeasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 3582 Castell y Bere & Llanfihangel-y-pennant from Abergynolwyn easy/mod5.7 miles
Walk 1309 Tarren y Gesailmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 3230 Tarrenhendre from Abergynolwyneasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 1851 Cregennen Lakes & Pared y Cefn-hireasy/mod2.5 miles
Walk 1172 Cadair Idris by the Pony Pathmod/hard11.0 miles
Walk 2668 Cadair Idris, Craig Cau and Cyfrwy by the Pony Pathmod/hard5.3 miles
Walk 1204 Cadair Idris Minffordd Pathmod/hard6.0 miles
Walk 2100 Circuit of Cadair Idris from Minfforddmod/hard11.0 miles
Walk 3229 Mawddach circularmoderate9.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Cambrian Way

The Cambrian WayGuidebook to the Cambrian Way, a challenging three-week mountain trek through Wales from Cardiff to Conwy. The 470km un-waymarked route is presented from south to north. Often sticking to long, beautiful ridgelines, it crosses wild and rugged terrain and visits many of Wales's highest mountains, including Snowdon.
More information

The Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast PathA single guidebook to walking the whole Wales Coast Path - 1400km (870 miles) the length of Wales from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, described in 57 stages. The route passes through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks and many AONBs and can be linked with the Offa's Dyke Path for a complete circuit of Wales.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.