Arans
Walking Guide and Walks

The Arans form a southwest-northwest ridge between Dolgellau and Bala, which extends to Cadair Idris in the west. Aran Fawddwy is the highest summit along the ridge and is the only peak over 900 metres in England and Wales, apart from those located in northern Snowdonia. Its sister summit, Aran Benllyn is usually completed in the same walk. The most popular route of ascent starts from Cwm Cywarch which offers no technical problems and provides an excellent day in the hills. Longer approaches are available from the northern side and are much less walked.

The third highest peak in the range is Glagwm, which can be completed from Cwm Cywarch and makes for an excellent walk. Other summits in the range are less appealing with their rounded grassy slopes and occasional access problems making them much less popular.

List of walks

★ GPS file available ☩ Route profile

Walk	Description	Grade	Miles
3055★	Glasgwm	moderate	4.50
1190★☩	Aran Fawddwy	mod/hard	7.50
2937★☩	Aran Fawddwy northern approach	mod/hard	8.40
3017★☩	Aran Benllyn & Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllyn	mod/hard	10.00
1255★☩	The Aran Ridge	hard	11.20
1400★☩	The Arans	hard	14.00

Table of summits in the Arans Group

Rank	Mountain	Metres/Feet	Location
20	Aran Fawddwy	905 / 2969	Snowdonia
29	Aran Benllyn	885 / 2904	Snowdonia
77	Glasgwm	779 / 2556	Snowdonia
151	Foel Hafod-fynydd	689 / 2260	Snowdonia
154	Pen y Bryn-fforchrog	685 / 2247	Snowdonia
174	Esgeiriau Gwynion	671 / 2201	Snowdonia
229	Foel y Geifr	626 / 2054	Snowdonia
230	Moel y Cerrig-duon	625 / 2051	Snowdonia
240	Pen yr Allt-uchaf	620 / 2034	Snowdonia

What is a mountain?

The accepted standard for a mountain in England & Wales is that its summit is 610 metres (2000 feet) or more above sea level. In addition, rules are in place on the height difference above intervening cols with adjacent summits to determine whether a summit is a separate mountain or a subsidiary 'top'. This is not the place to discuss the technicalities of this issue but the list has been checked against reliable tables. With simplicity in mind separate tops have been excluded from the list as these would normally be discussed in relation to their main summits. The list includes 258 summits and these will all be added in due course starting from the highest and working down.

Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.

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AransWalking Guide and Walks

List of walks

Table of summits in the Arans Group

Messaging & Social Media

Mountain Weather

Arans
Walking Guide and Walks