Walk 1086 - printer friendly version

Post Gwyn and Craig-y-Mwn from Pistyll Rhaeadr Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.5 miles / 10.6 km

Ascent - 1255 feet / 380 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SJ073295
Lat 52.854984 + Long -3.3781367
Postcode SY10 0BZ (approx. location only)

The Berwyn Mountains are often criticised for being boring. However there are plenty of good walks and with few people around to spoil your day you can just get on an enjoy the hills. This walk starts from the popular beauty spot of Pistyll Rhaeadr a few miles west of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant. Parking is available on the roadside and there is also a car park and cafe where a fee is payable (grid ref. SJ 073295). Some skill at map reading is required as part of this walk covers open country and your best bet is to obtain a copy of the relevant 1:25000 OS map.

The waterfalls, the biggest in Wales, are the only attraction for most visitors and they are indeed quite spectacular especially after heavy rain with the waters dropping over two hundred feet. The best view of the falls is kept to the end of the walk and you start by ascending a signed zigzag path that climbs to the head of the falls. This leads onto a wide grassy path heading west along the northern banks of the Afon Disgynfa.

The path begins to fade and you may need to swap from bank to bank as the stream narrows. After about two miles from the head of the falls (grid ref. SJ 040302) turn south seeking an easy line following sheep trods through the heather onto the ridge. This should bring you onto the ridge about 700 metres north-west of the summit cairn of Post Gwyn. Continue south-east to the summit which has a few rocks and offers a good view especially to Cadair berwyn in the north and across the hills south and west.

A feint path continues south east along the ridge skirting the southern edge of a conifer plantation. You cross two fences to reach a footpath (grid ref. SJ 067284). Go through the gate and with the fence to your right continue south east to meet a track. Turn left onto this former mine track and head north. This will bring you to the top of the cliffs - Craig y Mwn - from where there is a super view down to the Tanat Valley below with the highest peaks of the Berwyns adding a good backdrop.

Locate a small gate on your right (grid ref. SJ 073290) and follow the path that descends spectacularly across the face of the cliffs. Note - in icy weather this could be treacherous. The path joins a mine track at the bottom. Turn left and follow the zigzags down to pick up a clear path heading north-west alongside a small stream. This leads along the base of the crags and through woodland to Pistyll Rhaeadr and the start of the walk.

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