Arenig Fawr rises in isolation above its own lake, Llyn Arenig Fawr, between Bala and Ffestiniog, a distinctive shape on the skyline from Yr Wyddfa and from the Berwyn to the east. It is rarely visited, approached across rough ground, and its summit offers one of the most expansive panoramas in Wales. Complete remoteness at modest altitude: this is what the quiet mountains of southern and eastern Eryri offer that the crowded northern peaks cannot. This is Experience #97 of the Snowdonia 100.
Route Details
| Start | The lane and track to Llyn Arenig Fawr, off the A4212 near Llyn Celyn, west of Bala |
| Distance | About 12km return by the usual route past the lake |
| Ascent | Around 530m to 650m, depending on start point |
| Time | 4 to 6 hours |
| Navigation | Paths are faint above the lake; map and compass essential |
| Terrain | Rough heather and grass, physically demanding |
The Memorial
On the summit of Arenig Fawr stands a memorial to the crew of a United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed on the mountain on 4 August 1943, killing all eight men on board. The aircraft struck the hillside in cloud. The memorial is a reminder that the remoteness of these mountains has claimed lives beyond the usual categories of mountain accident; please leave it as you find it.
The View
The summit panorama on a clear day reaches the sea, with Cardigan Bay to the west. Yr Wyddfa and the northern mountains are visible to the north-west, Cadair Idris and the Arans to the south and south-west, and the Berwyn to the east. Few walkers ever stand here. The view belongs entirely to those who make the effort.
Plan Your Walk
Most walkers start on the minor road that leaves the A4212 Bala to Trawsfynydd road near the hamlet of Arenig, a little south-west of Llyn Celyn. There is informal parking on verges and waste ground along the lane; park so that farm gates and passing places stay clear. From there a good track climbs for around two and a half kilometres to the dam at Llyn Arenig Fawr, a dark lake below a tall corrie of crags.
Beyond the dam, a path climbs the ridge with the lake on your right, crossing several fences, then contours across the south-eastern flank before shorter paths lead up to the summit. The top has an OS trig pillar and a stone-walled wind shelter beside the memorial.
- Best season: late spring to early autumn, on a clear day. In poor visibility the views, which are the whole point, disappear.
- What to bring: boots, waterproofs, warm layers, map and compass, food and water. There are no facilities on the route; Bala is the nearest town for supplies.
Good to Know
By the dam stands a small one-room bothy, a simple shelter open to walkers. Treat it with respect and leave it cleaner than you found it. On the descent the ground ahead is broken by crags, so check the map and pick your line with care, especially in mist. This is sheep country: keep dogs on leads and close gates. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Nearby
- Bala, the nearest town, at the head of Llyn Tegid.
- Llyn Tegid by Kayak (Experience #25), for a day on the water after a day on the hill.
- The View from Aran Fawddwy (Experience #99), another quiet summit to the south.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is Arenig Fawr?
It is a moderate to strenuous hill day. The track to the lake is easy; above it the paths are faint and the ground rough.
Can I stay in the bothy?
Bothies are open shelters used on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own sleeping kit and food, and do not rely on space being free.
Experience #97 of 100, Hidden Eryri category.