Arenig Fawr

Arenig Fawr

Arenig Fawr Group Walks | Join a Walk

854m Elevation
480m Prominence
Wales Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Sim Hewitt Nuttall High Hill of Britain

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Elevation

854m

2,802 ft

Prominence

480m

Coordinates

52.9171, -3.7459

SH827369

OS Map

124 125

Explorer: OL18E

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a large cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved rest and some picturesque selfies.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of heather offering a varied experience underfoot.

Arenig Fawr is predominantly composed of volcanic rock, specifically rhyolite, which gives this impressive mountain its rugged charm. The area is known for its fascinating geological features shaped by glacial action.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see stunning views of the Llyn Peninsula, distant Snowdon, and the surrounding hills of Snowdonia.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Arenig' is believed to derive from the Welsh word 'aren' meaning 'rocky' or 'stony'.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been a popular climbing spot for generations, revered for its natural beauty and geological importance.

Popular Routes

Classic South Ridge Ascent

Moderate

Starting at the small car park near Llyn Celyn (grid ref SH8270436948), this route follows a well-trodden path up Arenig Fawr's south ridge. The ascent offers fantastic views over Llyn Celyn and the surrounding Snowdonia hills. The descent follows the same path back to the start.

10.5 km 4 hours

Circular Route via Llyn Arenig Fawr

Moderate

Starting at the same car park near Llyn Celyn, this circular route heads towards Llyn Arenig Fawr, a picturesque mountain lake. The trail then climbs to the summit of Arenig Fawr before descending via the south ridge back to the starting point.

12 km 5 hours

North-East Ridge Approach

Challenging

This route begins from a parking spot near Arenig village. It follows the north-east ridge, a quieter and less-trafficked path, offering a more remote feel. After summiting Arenig Fawr, the descent loops back to the starting point via Llyn Arenig Fawr.

11 km 5 hours

Extended Arenig Fawr and Moel Llyfnant Traverse

Hard

For experienced walkers, this route combines Arenig Fawr with its neighbouring peak, Moel Llyfnant. Starting at the Llyn Celyn car park, the route climbs Arenig Fawr, descends to the col, and then ascends Moel Llyfnant. The return follows a lower-level path back to the start.

16 km 7 hours

Arenig Fawr Summit Direct

Moderate

This is the shortest and most direct route to the summit of Arenig Fawr. Starting at the Llyn Celyn car park, the path heads straight up the south ridge to the summit and back down by the same route. Ideal for those looking for a quick ascent.

7.5 km 3 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small layby on the A4212, suitable for a handful of vehicles, approximately 1 km from the start of the route.

Public Transport

Limited public transport options are available; a car is advisable. The nearest bus stop is in the village of Llanuwchllyn.

Nearby Facilities

Although there are no facilities directly on the route, Bala has cafes, shops, and public toilets to cater to your needs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift dramatically. The terrain can be slippery after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Arenig Fawr?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Arenig Fawr through the maps

Are there other walkers around Arenig Fawr?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Arenig Fawr search or of course create your own walk for Arenig Fawr

Can I organise a walk to Arenig Fawr?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Arenig Fawr.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Arenig Fawr?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Arenig Fawr here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible