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Aran Fawddwy

Aran Fawddwy · Southern Snowdonia

The Aran ridge holds the highest summit in Wales south of Snowdonia’s northern peaks, yet sees a fraction of the visitors. A long approach across rough moorland keeps the crowds away, leaving a genuinely remote ridge walk above the steep eastern corrie overlooking Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). This is classic out-and-back ridge territory, prized by those seeking solitude over spectacle.

Interactive terrain · tap a marker for peak info

Difficulty

Moderate – Hard

Terrain

Moorland approach, grassy ridge, steep eastern corrie

Best for

Solitude · A genuine wilderness feel · Long approach walks

Key peaks

Aran Fawddwy

905m

The highest summit south of Snowdonia’s main peaks, with a steep drop to Creiglyn Dyfi.

Moderate – Hard, long approach

Aran Benllyn

885m

The northern twin of Aran Fawddwy, overlooking Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake).

Moderate

Erw y Ddafad-ddu

814m

A connecting summit on the ridge between the two main Aran peaks.

Moderate

Glasgwm

780m

A remote outlier to the south-east, rarely visited even by Aran regulars.

Moderate, pathless approach

Gwaun y Llwyni

643m

A lower spur on the western flank, often used as part of the approach.

Easy – Moderate

Drysgol

770m

A broad shoulder linking the southern approach to the main Aran ridge.

Moderate

Esgeiriau Gwynion

689m

A remote moorland top on the southern fringes of the range.

Moderate, pathless

Suggested routes

Aran Ridge from Llanuwchllyn

The classic out-and-back taking in both Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy.

16 km·6–7 hrs

Creiglyn Dyfi Approach

A quieter approach via the source lake of the River Dyfi, climbing direct to Aran Fawddwy.

13 km·5–6 hrs

Glasgwm Extension

For those seeking maximum solitude, a long extension south to the remote Glasgwm.

20 km·8 hrs

Mountain weather

Safety & weather

  • The approach is long and largely pathless — allow extra time and daylight.
  • The eastern corrie above Llyn Tegid has dangerous steep ground close to the ridge edge.
  • Help is far away here; mobile coverage is unreliable across the whole range.

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