Walk August 31st 2024: Y Cnicht, Snowdonia

The real Matterhorn!

Karen Mason is leading this walk; her description follows:-
NB If you re planning to come on the walk, please let her know beforehand as changes may be needed at short notice due to weather conditions. See below

Walk August 31st 2024: Y Cnicht, Snowdonia

This is a 7 mile circular walk. We begin in the tiny village of Croesor where there is a small carpark and a mobile toilet. We take the steep hill out of the village before starting the gradual ascent across moorland towards the unmistakeable summit – the Cnicht is known as the Welsh Matterhorn . It s a tough ascent and includes some scrambling just below the summit, where there is a rock band to navigate. The views are really impressive on a clear day, with the sea to the West, the main mountain range in Snowdonia to the North, and the towering Moelwyns across the valley.

We continue along the ridge to the North summit and beyond until we reach Llyn yr adar (Lake of the birds), where we follow a path around the head of the cwm. The ground is boggy here and the path disappears after a while so it s a case of off piste navigating as best we can to avoid the soggiest ground. We arrive, eventually, at the imposing Rhosydd quarry and it s a further short, steep climb to reach our homeward route, a grassy track that follows the old tramway down to the valley and offers excellent views of the Cnicht and our ascent route across the valley.

Max elevation 2260ft. Total ascent 2132ft.

Croesor (Postcode LL486SS), is 2 hr 20mins from Audlem and parking is limited so I suggest we meet at Audlem car park at 6.45am. NB If you re planning to come on the walk, please let me know beforehand as changes may be needed at short notice due to weather conditions.

My mob is: 07711231732.

NB All walkers must have suitable footwear and be prepared for adverse weather, carry food and water to last for the entire walk and be suitably fit for the various lengths of walk.

Non-members of Audlem Rambling Society (ARS) are welcome to come on a walk but are expected to join ARS and pay the membership fee after a trial walk or two.