Walk 1127 - Cnicht from Croesor

 
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The village of Croesor is quietly situated in a fine valley which is walked on the return leg of this fine walk. Once an area humming with activity, the slate quarries have long since closed and the valley has returned to a quieter life. Cnicht has a distinct but misleading image. From the main roads to the south west the mountain has a distinctive shape - pointed with sheer faces on either flank - and nicknamed the "Welsh Matterhorn". In reality the summit of Cnicht is the end of fine ridge and its pyramidal shape is in fact a cross section of the mountain.

There is a small car park in Croesor (grid ref. SH 631446) with ample space for most days. Leave the village by taking the lane up past the school and chapel. At a gate continue northwards to the brow of the hill where you fork right. The way ahead is now obvious as you aim for the summit climbing gently at first with fine views over the surrounding countryside. The way steepens and there are a couple of short scrambles before you reach the summit (2260 ft. / 689 m.) which is a fine viewpoint with almost a 360 degree panorama of mountains.

The next objective is the southern shore of llyn yr Adar, backed by the Ysgafell Wen range of mountains. This is wild country and the walkers relatively few and you have ample time to enjoy the peace and quiet. A path, in places very sketchy, leads south east towards Cwm Corsiog. Before reaching this llyn turn west choosing the easiest route down to Llyn Cwm-y-foel in the valley. There are no unseen crags but it is still easier to follow one of the small streams that tumble down the mountainside.

On reaching Llyn Cwm-y-foel follow the south shore to the dam. Cross to the north side of the outlet and pick up the distinct path that gentle descends across the hillside and into the valley. This descent is very pleasant and allows you to examine in detail the wonderful valley of Cwm Croesor before you join the track back into the village.

OS Map showing start

Ordnance Survey Map showing starting point of walk - Click Here

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL17
	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL18
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 115
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 124

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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