Walking Route - Elidir Fawr,
Snowdonia
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Ogwen Cottage > Y
Garn > Elidir Fawr > 0gwen Valley
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Average Time: 4 hours 10
mins
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Distance: 6.3 miles (10.5
Km)
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Height Gain: 3215 ft
(924m)
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Elidir Fawr and Y Garn make up the Western Glyderau, and
are often overlooked in the mad dash for Glyder Fawr and
Glyder Fach.
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Maps: OS LR 115, Explorer
OL17
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 2
Technicality: 2
Photo Grade: 3
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Start Point: SH
649 603
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Overview Elidir Fawr and Y Garn make up the Western Glyderau,
and are often overlooked in the mad dash for Glyder Fawr and Glyder
Fach. These two mountains, however, both attain 3000+ft and have a
lot to offer both as components of the Wales 3000ers and in their own
right.
Y Garn (left) and Elidir Fawr from Carnedd Dafydd
-
Greg
Carns
The two mountains display distinctly different profiles, with Y
Garn following the craggy style of its eastern neighbours whilst
Elidir Fawr is somewhat smoother and more rounded. A circuit of the
two peaks gives not only superb views of north western Snowdonia but
an alternative to more popular peaks for those crowded bank holiday
weekends..
Section 1: Ogwen Valley to Y Garn
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Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3km)
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Height Gain: 1961ft (598m)
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Average Time: 1 hours 30 mins
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Starting from the car park at Idwal Cottage take the path out
towards Llyn Idwal and the Glyders, taking the right-hand fork to
emerge onto the lower slopes through the old slate cutting.
Cross the stile and head round to the north side of Llyn Idwal,
climbing slowly to join the main path from the lake. Aim for the gap
in the wall then start climbing more steeply.
Respite comes from the ascent when you reach the edge of Cwm Clyd,
but the angle soon increases again as you move onto a steep ridge
onto Y Garn. As you reach the top of the ridge the panorama of the
Snowdon group opens in front of you, and the summit of Y
Garn lies just off to the left.
Section 2: Y Garn to Elidir Fawr
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Distance: 2 miles (3.3km)
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Height Gain: 690ft (211m)
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Average Time: 1 hour 10 mins
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From Y Garn head north west, following the edge around Cwm Clyd on a
wide and well-marked path. For the outward journey drop down to the
col at Bwlch y Cywion then take the left fork to pass Foel-goch on
its west side.
That's Elidir Fawr, far left, Foel Goch, Y Garn - the pointy one
-
from Crib Goch - RichardSun
The path now either takes in the minor top of Mynydd
Perfedd before turning west to reveal Marchlyn Mawr
Reservoir. The ascent becomes rocky and undulating whilst climbing to
a final steep pull onto the summit of Elidir
Fawr at the far northern extent of the Gyderau.
Section 3: Elidir Fawr to Ogwen Valley
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Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6km)
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Height Gain: 819ft (250m)
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Average Time: 1 hour 30 mins
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Retrace your outward route as far as the lower slopes of
Foel-goch, but this time take the steep climb up to the
summit.
From here two arms branch out; north east and south east. Take the
south east ridge down a steep descent to a col, where a more bvious
path cuts in from the right. The ridge now swings east, towards Pen
Yr Ole Wen and the Carneddau.
Stream on the slopes of Elidir Fawr -
Andy
Howell
As the ridge peters out a feint but distinct path cuts off right
alongside a line of massive blocks. Move slowly right onto easier
terrain and descend tp Nant Cywion, then follow the stream to a
narrow cleft and a series of small waterfalls.
Stay above the cleft, but following the line of the stream as you
drop to an old wall. A spot of heather bashing leads to a bridge and
a stile in the fence off to the left. The last section can get boggy
in wet weather as you drop down to Yr Hafod. From Yr Hafod turn right
and take the short amble along the old road back to Idwal Cottage.
