Walk 3060 - Moel Lefn & Moel yr Ogof from Cwm Pennant

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

Cwm Pennant is wonderful unspoilt and secluded valley in the north-eastern part of the Snowdonia National Park. Once home to extensive slate quarries that were served by a narrow gauge railway, the valley has returned to peace and quiet. To visit the valley of Cwm Pennant, leave the A487 Porthmadog to Caernarfon road at Dolbenmaen (Grid ref. SH504431) and follow the narrow lane as it heads into the valley. Stay on this lane with its gates until you reach the end of the tarmac where there is a small parking area (fee payable to the local farmer at Braich-y-dinas).

     
Click thumbnails for larger images.

After parking follow the waymarked path that leaves the parking area and climb eastwards to reach one of the old mine buildings marked on the the OS Maps (Grid ref. SH 544493). From here continue in east to reach a further and larger building that is not marked on maps (Grid ref. SH 546493). Go past the building and turn left up an old incline. At the top turn left along the northern shore of a small lake following a narrow and often ill-defined path to the col at the head of Cwm Trwsgl (Grid ref. SH 553497).

At the Col turn right. Do not cross the wall and enter Beddgelert Forest but the follow the path alongside the wall as it ascends towards the summit of Meol Lefn. The path climbs steadily to reach a crag, which is surmounted via a gully to reach easier ground above. Soon the highest point of the mountain is in view from where many peaks of Snowdonia are visible.

Moel yr Ogof, the next objective) is in view and the onward route descends south to a Col before ascending to the summit rocks. Sharing similar views to Moel Lefn it does benefit from a better prospect of Moel Hebog, the next summit south along the ridge.

Descend south on a clear path to reach Bwlch Meillionen (Grid ref. SH 560475). Go right over the ladder stile at the lowest point of the Col and descend southwest. The path stays on the northern side of the stream as it flows down Cwm Llefrith towards Cwm Pennant. The path is generally easy to follow, although one section across wetter ground is less well-defined. After approximately two kilometres the path reaches the old trackbed of a narrow gauge railway (Grid ref. SH 543466). Turn right along this easy graded route and follow it all the way back to the base of the incline ascended at the beginning of the walk. From here retrace your steps down to the parking area.

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 Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 115

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.

Cae Gwyn, Penrhyndeudraeth - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 7 miles / 11 km away

Cae Mawr B&B, Tan Yr Allt, Llanllyfni - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 7 miles / 11 km away

Gwrach Ynys Country Guest House, Harlech - Gwynedd
Guest House - 8 miles / 13 km away

Maelgwyn House, Harlech - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 9 miles / 15 km away

Gilfach Goch, Llanbedr - Gwynedd
Self Catering - 11 miles / 18 km away

Plas Tan y Graig, Beddgelert - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 12 miles / 19 km away

Fron Deg B&B, Maentwrog - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 12 miles / 20 km away

The Don, Blaenau Ffestiniog - Gwynedd
Guest House - 12 miles / 20 km away

Goslings, Abersoch - Gwynedd
Guest House - 12 miles / 20 km away

Marians Bed and Breakfast, Talybont, Barmouth - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 14 miles / 23 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher
Search, choose and book your accommodation online.

Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales