Walking Route: Elidir Fawr, Snowdonia

Walking Route - Elidir Fawr, Snowdonia

Ogwen Cottage > Y Garn > Elidir Fawr > 0gwen Valley

Average Time: 4 hours 10 mins

Distance: 6.3 miles (10.5 Km)	Height Gain: 3215 ft (924m)
Elidir Fawr and Y Garn make up the Western Glyderau, and are often overlooked in the mad dash for Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach.	Maps: OS LR 115, Explorer OL17 Online: Streetmap
Strenuousness: 2 Technicality: 2 Photo Grade: 3	Start Point: SH 649 603

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..

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Section 1: Ogwen Valley to Y Garn

Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3km)

Height Gain: 1961ft (598m)

Average Time: 1 hours 30 mins

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.

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Section 2: Y Garn to Elidir Fawr

Distance: 2 miles (3.3km)

Height Gain: 690ft (211m)

Average Time: 1 hour 10 mins

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.

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Section 3: Elidir Fawr to Ogwen Valley

Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6km)

Height Gain: 819ft (250m)

Average Time: 1 hour 30 mins

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.

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Route Map