I'm a new member here! A couple of weeks ago, I went up to the summit of Aran Fawddwy for the first time. It's a great little route, from Cwm Cywarch in the south, up to the main summit, then over to Glasgwm, then descending the zig-zag paths back to the valley.
It's amazing just how quiet the Arans are, compared to the big peaks of northern Snowdonia - and Cadair Idris. In fact, despite being there on a mostly bright, sunny day at a weekend - I saw only three other groups all day!
It's a nice quiet place, and there are some great views! I took a short series of videos which I've put together into a little video montage. I hope you like it!
Maybe! Although two of the three groups were a practice D of E group and their assessors - you can see the D of E group setting up camp next to the lake on Glasgwm in the video. The assessor group were visible in the video from Aran summit. They were waiting for a 2nd D of E group which had gone missing in action on Aran Benllyn!
Apparently they had been seen earlier whistling for help - on a warm and sunny day - whilst in no danger. I'm not sure the assessors were very impressed!
That's a great route. It's worth exploring the other mountains that way: the rest of the Arans, the southern Arenigs (Dduallt and Rhobell Fawr make a great circuit), Dovey Hills, Tarrens, Hirnants...
There are a lot more mountains to Wales than Snowdonia, thankfully the crowds don't seem to realise!
That's a great route. It's worth exploring the other mountains that way: the rest of the Arans, the southern Arenigs (Dduallt and Rhobell Fawr make a great circuit), Dovey Hills, Tarrens, Hirnants...
There are a lot more mountains to Wales than Snowdonia, thankfully the crowds don't seem to realise!
Thanks for the recommendations! That Rhobell Fawr & Dduallt looks interesting. I might try that one over the next few weeks if the weather is ok.
If you do I suggest driving to the road head at Cwm yr Allt-lwyd. Do Dduallt via the north ridge then head down to the forest. There are a couple of fire breaks which you can use to cross through to the other side, but the going is rough and rather pathless. The ascent of Rhobell Fawr is lovely, before a boggy tramp home via Rhobell y Big.
