Aran Fawddwy and Aran Benllyn
The highest mountain in Wales south of Eryri, from the dramatic crags of Cwm Cywarch.
- Distance
- 9.6 km
- Ascent
- 820 m
- Time
- 3.5–5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 906 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Aran Fawddwy and Aran Benllyn is a hard 9.6 km out-and-back walk with 820 m of ascent, taking 3.5 to 5 hours. It starts at Cwm Cywarch (grid reference SH 861 198). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Aran Fawddwy at 906 m.
Aran Fawddwy is the highest summit in Wales outside Eryri's northern ranges. From Cwm Cywarch, a path climbs through the Hengwm valley onto the ridge, passing the memorial cairn at Drws Bach.
The route continues to Aran Fawddwy's summit, then along the ridge to Aran Benllyn, before returning. Some paths here are permissive routes agreed with farmers: please keep to them.
Route
-
1
Hengwm
Follow the path up the Hengwm valley onto the ridge.
-
2
Aran Fawddwy
Pass the Drws Bach cairn and climb to the summit.
-
3
Aran Benllyn
Follow the ridge north to Aran Benllyn, then return.
Summits
906 m
885 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Aran Fawddwy and Aran Benllyn take?
- Most walkers take 3.5–5 hours for the 9.6 km route, which has 820 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Cwm Cywarch (grid reference SH 861 198). Small parking area at the end of the Cwm Cywarch road (honesty box).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Steep valley path; boggy ridge; rocky summits.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Aran Fawddwy (906 m, Hewitt); Aran Benllyn (885 m, Hewitt); Erw y Ddafad-ddu (872 m, Hewitt).
- Can I take my dog?
- It isn't recommended for dogs. Before you go: Dogs are not permitted on the permissive paths. Keep to the signed routes.
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