Hideously scarred and cruelly exploited it may well be, but Elidir Fawr is often the choice of the connoisseur when a quick 3000er is the order of the day.

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

621

m

397

m

19

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

The Round of Marchlyn Mawr visits Elidir Fawr before encircling the eponymous llyn by way of two unsung peaks on the Glyderau’s unfashionable northern extremity.

A short day with huge views, this walk gives a subtle twist to an old favourite. As incongruous in its desolate moorland setting as the hydro electric access road is, it provides a gentle approach to the delights to come and terminates at the similarly unwelcome construction which dams Marchlyn Mawr.

On the way, climbers with a keen eye may spot a delectable looking slab above Marchlyn Bach which could prove an irresistible diversion and an alternative line of ascent taking in Elidir Fach.

Walkers, however, must now gird their loins and prepare for some hard work! Elidir’s blunt North Ridge hugs Cwm Marchlyn and is steep and at times loose going on a vague path.

Happily, the slog is short lived and through scrambly ground the summit ridge is attained a stone’s throw away from the commodious shelter.

Time to take on some refreshment and drink in extensive coastal and mountain views.

Once you’ve tired of the superb vista, head down the East Ridge to Bwlch y Brecan where a brief but lung busting ascent will land you on Mynydd Perfedd’s broad grassy plateau.

Easy striding and the crossing of a stile is all that separates you from the final peak of the day, Cairn of the greyhound bitch, aka Carnedd y Filiast.

It’s worth keeping to the rim of Cwm Graianog on this section for a good view of the spectacular Atlantic Slab.

From the rocky summit of Carnedd y Filiast, head north west across a boulder field to the unnamed bwlch and follow a path (which can be tricky to see from above) or pick your way back down to the access road and in due course to the start point. © Nicholas Livesey - UKHillwalking.com, Feb 2012