Aran Fawddwy at 905m is the highest point in Wales south of Yr Wyddfa — higher than Cadair Idris, higher than the Berwyns, the apex of the southern Welsh mountains. It is rarely visited and the summit panorama is one of the most expansive in Wales: the full Welsh interior spread below, the sea visible in multiple directions, and almost nobody else there to see it. This is Experience #99 of the Snowdonia 100.
Route from Cwm Cywarch
| Start | Cwm Cywarch, near Dinas Mawddwy |
| Distance | 12km circular |
| Ascent | 800m |
| Time | 5–6 hours |
| Terrain | Good paths on the ridge; some steep sections |
| Note | The ridge is narrow above Llyn Lliwbran — take care in poor visibility |
The Summit
Aran Fawddwy's summit — a trig point and some shelter cairns on a narrow ridge — gives a view that compensates fully for its relative inaccessibility. Cadair Idris fills the northwest; Yr Wyddfa is visible to the north on clear days; the Brecon Beacons ridge runs south. Cardigan Bay and the Lleyn Peninsula are visible to the west. The sense of being at the highest point in a vast area of Wales — and having virtually no company — is distinctive.
The Aran Range
Aran Fawddwy is the northern end of the Aran range, which continues south to Aran Benllyn above Bala Lake. The ridge walk between the two summits — 6km at altitude — is one of the finest in southern Wales and one of the least known. The combination of height, remoteness, and quality of terrain makes the Aran range a genuine discovery for those who find the northern mountains too busy.
Experience #99 of 100 — Hidden Eryri category.
Independently written — Snowdon.com