Walk 3017 - Aran Benllyn & Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllyn

 
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Although not an avid exponent of the out-and-back walk, this route is good enough to justify inclusion. The picture below illustrates well what is in store with the route following the ridge from right to left and visiting all three peaks on the main Aran ridge.

The start is a small car park (Grid ref. SH879297) beside the Afon Twrch in the village of Llanuwchllyn at the southern end of Lake Bala. From the car park do not go over the bridge but take the track that heads south. This climbs gradually and after crossing a cattle grid follow the bridleway that forks to the right. Stay on this until it turns right and leave it to follow the signed footpath that leads onto the main Aran ridge.

The climb is steady and the path clear. As you climb you get ever improving views to your right with Arenig Fawr clearly in view. Beyond you may be able to see many of the other great mountains of northern Snowdonia including Snowdon itself. Eventually the path follows the ridge after shadowing for some way and you will find yourself gaining height more quickly as you ascend a couple of rocky steps in the ridge. Away to your left and far below is Llyn Lliwbran with the rounded hills of the Arans spread out beyond.

Eventually you will reach the summit of Aran Benllyn with its quartz speckled summit rocks adding a splash of colour to the scene. With one top 'ticked off' you can continue over Erw y Ddafad du, the lowest peak of the trio, to reach Aran Fawddwy. This is a super summit with a fine airy balcony on which to perch and enjoy the view. Having rested turn around and head back the way you came. Surprisingly you will see the Arans from a different perspective as you descend gently into the valley and return to the starting point.

OS Map showing start

Ordnance Survey Map showing starting point of walk - Click Here

GPX File

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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 125

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.

Eifionydd "Murrays Guest Accommodation", Llanuwchllyn
Bed & Breakfast - 0.5 miles / 0.9 km away

Abercelyn Country House, Bala - Llanycil
Country House - 4.0 miles / 6.3 km away

The Tipi at Tyn-Y-Fron, Bala, Llandderfel
Camping Site - 8.2 miles / 13.1 km away

Plas Isa, Dolgellau
Bunkhouse - 11.9 miles / 19.1 km away

Maes Coch, Dolgellau
Self Catering - 12.3 miles / 19.8 km away

Fron Deg B&B, Maentwrog
Bed & Breakfast - 14.1 miles / 22.6 km away

The Don, Blaenau Ffestiniog
Guest House - 14.6 miles / 23.3 km away

Dinas Caravan Park & Camping, Llanbedr
Self Catering - 15.8 miles / 25.3 km away

Afon Gwyn Country House, Betws y Coed
Bed & Breakfast - 16.6 miles / 26.5 km away

Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed
Hotel - 17.5 miles / 28.0 km away

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"

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