Walk 2551 - Rhobell Fawr from near Rhydymain

   
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This route takes in a rarely visited Snowdonia summit. The start is reached by taking the A494 Bala to Dolgellau main road and turning north at a junction (grid ref. SH799216) marked Aran Hall School. Follow this lane and park just after the School where there is a maze of public footpath signs (SH792226).

Selecting the initial section of the route needs care but try to head due north or uphill until you find yourself looking at Rhobell Fawr with pine woods on either side. Head for the mountain between the woodland then follow the stream, Afon Melau, climbing steadily to the eastern corner (Grid ref SH786241) of a plantation that is on your left. Climb the stile and continue through the woods to reach a track.

Turn right along this track and head roughly north east. The OS 1:25000 map shows four walls crossing this track, two of which are encountered just after joining the track. Continue along the track to the fourth wall from the plantation(Grid ref SH791247). Turn north off the track and Follow this wall in northerly direction encountering a few short scrambles in a rocky landscape as you climb higher. Views to the Arans to the south and Cadair Idris open up as you gain height.

Following the wall up you reach a stile where you turn sharp left from where the trig point on Rhobell Fawr soon becomes visible. Climb over the stile to the top where the views are outstanding to the Rhinogs and north to Snowdon. From the summit head southwest over another stile following the wall until reaching another wall to the left which you follow down to the track. On reaching the track turn right and then retrace the route back to the start point.

This walk ascends an obviously seldom visited mountain which offers good climbing and superb views. It is the first time I have seen nobody else during a walk in Wales.

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 OL23
	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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