logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Glasgwm from Cwm Cywarch

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Arans Lake Bala

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km    Ascent - 2375 feet / 720 metres

Time - 4 hours 40 minutes    Grade - moderate

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL23Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL23Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 124Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 124Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Glasgwm
Click image to visit gallery of 9 images.

Occupying an excellent position towards the southern end of the main Aran ridge, Glasgwm provides an excellent objective for a short Snowdonia (Eryri) walk in the mountains. However despite its length the ascent is continuous and the descent quite steep. However considering the short length there is much to see and enjoy. To reach the start, turn off the A458 Welshpool to Dolgellau road at Dinas Mawddwy and follow the narrow lane up the beautiful valley of Cwm Cywarch to reach a signed car park at grid ref. SH852188.

Continue up the lane following the signed path past Blaencywarch Farm, which nestles beneath the awesome crags of Cwm Cywarch. Please take care that you follow the signed path which by-passes the farm before heading left of a smooth rock outcrop. The climbing now begins in earnest and you gain height quickly with the crags closing in around you. During the ascent you cross the stream twice and can enjoy some small waterfalls and the immediate surroundings, which are superb.

As height is gained the retrospective view improves and the col beneath Glasgwm is soon reached (grid ref. 841201). Here the path levels and you reach a small tarn. Ahead there are excellent views north to the Rhinog mountains with Aran Fawddwy rising to almost 3000 feet on your right. Ignore the path to the latter summit and, keeping the tarn on your right, follow the fence on your left to reach a stile. Cross this and turn left to follow the fence uphill. Height is gained quickly and the summit of Glasgwm is soon reached with the fence acting as a guide all the way to the top. The highest point is marked by a large beehive cairn with the large tarn just below the summit on the southern flank coming as a surprise. This spot provides a superb place to enjoy the excellent view and take a rest.

Leave the summit in a southerly direction crossing a ladder stile before heading for an obvious rocky outcrop. A clear path leads you onward with a fence coming in from your right. Keeping the fence on your right continue across open moorland. The path then descends quite steeply over grass to reach a col. Note - to your left are steep crags so care is needed on this section. Ahead you will see a stone track descending steeply down to the left. Join this track and head down into Cwm Cywarch. The going is steep in places although well constructed zigzags mean an easy and fast descent into the valley and the start of the walk.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2937 Aran Fawddwy northern approachmod/hard8.4 miles
Walk 1107 Waun Oer and Maesglase near Dinas Mawddwymod/hard11.0 miles
Walk 2551 Rhobell Fawr from near Rhydymainmoderate5.7 miles
Walk 2811 Rhobell Fawr and Ddualt from near Rhydymainmoderate8.5 miles
Walk 1499 Rhobell Fawr and Dduallt from Llanfachrethmoderate12.0 miles
Walk 2334 The Torrent Walk near Dolgellaueasy1.6 miles
Walk 1646 The Precipice Walk easy3.5 miles
Walk 2475 The Dyfi Hills Ridgemod/hard9.8 miles
Walk 3017 Aran Benllyn & Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllynmod/hard10.0 miles
Walk 2059 Castell Carndochan near Balaeasy/mod2.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Cambrian Way

The Cambrian WayGuidebook to the Cambrian Way, a challenging three-week mountain trek through Wales from Cardiff to Conwy. The 470km un-waymarked route is presented from south to north. Often sticking to long, beautiful ridgelines, it crosses wild and rugged terrain and visits many of Wales's highest mountains, including Snowdon.
More information

Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia

Great Mountain Days in SnowdoniaInspirational guidebook to 40 great mountain day walks and scrambles in Snowdonia. Inspirational routes for all abilities across the National Park with routes up Snowdon and Moel Eilio, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, Eifionydd, Siabod and the Moelwynion, Rhinogydd (the Harlech Dome), Migneint and the Arans and Cadair Idris and the Tarrens.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.