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Classic Walks in Snowdonia – Mynydd Mawr from Fron

By Dave Roberts   

Published – July 3, 2019

  3/5 (1)

Classic Walks in Snowdonia – Mynydd Mawr from Fron

Further Details

Route Summary:

A quieter mountain, right next to Snowdon, that provides an excellent view of the surrounding mountains.

Start and Finish: Y Fron

Distance: 8.25 km

Ascent: 436 m

Time: 3 hours

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Before You Walk up Snowdon, ask yourselfAre you equipped? Do you know what you’re doing? Are the conditions safe? If you answer no to any of these, stay safe, don’t go! Check the weather forecast and make sure you know about walking up Snowdon in the Snow. If you lack experience – hire a Snowdon Mountain Guide.

Facilities:

Canolfan Y Fron has a shop (open half the time in our experience), cafe and accommodation.

Public Transport:

There is an infrequent bus service to Y Fron from Caernarfon.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Parking: 

Limited roadside parking in the village, parking spot on the route at SH

Hazards:

Care is needed to find your way from the summit in mist and parts of the path can be loose on descent.

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Walk up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Safely Navigation and the Gear and Equipment you’ll need.

Check the Weather before setting out.

We reccommend  Met Office Snowdonia and MWIS and live conditions on Adventure Smart – live conditions

Snowdon Guidebooks:

Recommended Snowdon Maps

Classic Walks in Snowdonia – Mynydd Mawr from Fron Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Classic Walks in Snowdonia – Mynydd Mawr from Fron

The solitary summit of Mynydd Mawr falls off most people’s radar, but worth a walk if you’ve only got a few hours spare. While more often walked from Rhyd Ddu, this route from Y Fron is even quieter and has its own charms, especially when the heather is in flower. The best thing is the views from the summit that include Snowdon and the Nantlle Ridge.

Mynydd Mawr from Fron Route Description

1 The walk starts from the centre of Y Fron, which has a distinctive ‘village green’ that’s often grazed by sheep. Follow the road east, taking the final junction left into the slate tips just before the road ends at a cul de sac.

Classic Walks in Snowdonia - Mynydd Mawr from Fron

2 Follow this road uphill, crossing a cattle grid as you pull uphill. You’ll not fail to notice the number of ruined cottages along the hillside, pointing to a much busier and populous upland in the past. The road soon gives way to a good track as you enter the commonland of Uwchgwyrfai Common, and to the information board above Llyn Ffynhonau.

3 The information board is worth a stop and a read, but mainly for the superb view across towards the Nantlle Ridge – one of the best there is. The track is easily followed towards Mynydd Mawr, though it does split in places and some common sense is needed to find your way to the start of the main path up (SH531 555)

4 The path now begins to climb in earnest, along an old mine track that if you take the left path you’ll see the old workings. The path also splits to the right, and both join together slightly further up. You’ll enjoy views into Cwm Du and towards the sheer crags of Craig Cwm Du to your left, which at least detract from the steep pull up.

Classic Walks in Snowdonia - Mynydd Mawr from Fron

5 After around 1km, the path becomes grassier and harder to follow as it pulls towards the summit of Mynydd Mawr. Be warned that in thick mist, this can be a tricky summit to find and navigational skills will be needed (and to get back off again!). In clear weather, the summit shelter soon pulls into view.

Classic Walks in Snowdonia - Mynydd Mawr from Fron

6 Once you reach the summit, the views open out towards Snowdonia. This view has largely been hidden by the mountain on the ascent, only to be revealed at the last moment. They range from Snowdon, Moelwynion, Moel Hebog, Nantlle Ridge and Llyn Nantlle Uchaf in one direction, and Anglesey and sea views in another. While the walk may not be the most exciting you’ll ever do, there’s no denying that this is a fine viewpoint.

7 In descent, you’ll need to take care in mist as the rocky summit provides no clues of where the path lies. It isn’t always obvious in clear weather, but the faint grassy path should be easily picked up. Follow the steps above in reverse, taking care as the path can be loose in places.

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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