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Walk 3060 - printer friendly version

Moel Lefn & Moel yr Ogof Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.0 miles / 11.4 km

Ascent - 2400 feet / 727 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SH539492
Lat 53.020096 + Long -4.1795524
Postcode LL51 9AX (approx. location only)

Cwm Pennant is wonderful unspoilt and secluded valley in the north-eastern part of the Snowdonia (Eryri) 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).

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 OS Maps (Grid ref. SH 544493). From here continue 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 right 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). It has been suggested that an easier route is to stay on the level section of the tramway from the old winding house and then climb the second incline as far as the second level, leaving right along the level to pick up the path into Cwm Trwsgl.

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.

Walk 3060 Route Map

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