SH2735 : Olion Oes Haearn / Iron Age remains
Short steep hill walk; longer circuit optional

Carn Fadryn

371m Elevation
343m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH2735 : Olion Oes Haearn / Iron Age remains

Ceri Thomas Photo source

Overview

Carn Fadryn is a 371 m Marilyn in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula, above Garnfadryn village in Gwynedd. A short, steep path reaches its rocky summit and extensive hillfort remains. A longer circuit also visits neighbouring Garn Bach, with broad views across the peninsula and coast.

Carn Fadryn

Introduction

Carn Fadryn is a 371 m Marilyn on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, overlooking Garnfadryn village. Its rocky summit, hillfort and broad coastal views make a compact hillwalk; the neighbouring Garn Bach can be included in a longer circuit.

Summit and terrain

The natural high point is a rock 2 m southeast of the trig pillar. DoBIH records its top as 10 cm above the pillar’s flush bracket. The ancient walls and summit stronghold are separate archaeological features. The approach climbs from an enclosed lane onto grassy and stony paths, with steep rocky steps near the top. The longer route crosses fields and stiles.

Walking routes

Carn Fadryn from Garnfadryn

From the roadside parking west of Garnfadryn’s former chapel (SH278345), walk back past the chapel and turn left up the enclosed lane. Beyond the gate, turn right with the wall on your right. The path later turns left away from the wall and climbs steeply to the summit area. Return by the same path and lane to the parking. Walking Britain gives 2.4 km, 182 m of ascent and 1 hour 20 minutes for the full return, graded easy; the upper path is steep and rocky.

Garn Bach and Carn Fadryn circuit

Start west of the former chapel in Garnfadryn (SH278345). Follow the lane with Carn Fadryn on your right, continuing straight at the first junction and taking the right branch at the next two forks. Tracks and field paths pass the plantation, then lead east and southeast to Caerau-Uchaf. Continue towards Pen-y-Caeru; before its trees, turn right by the wall and climb Garn Bach. Descend beside the wall to the col, pass through the wall gap and follow the grassy path southwest, then turn uphill through another gap for Carn Fadryn. Retrace the summit path to the lower wall, bear right, and take the enclosed track on the left back to the village and parking. Walking Britain gives 8.1 km, 333 m of ascent and 3 hours 20 minutes for this complete two-hill circuit, graded easy to moderate. Expect overgrown paths, gates, stiles and a steep summit climb.

Views

The summit overlooks the Llŷn Peninsula and its surrounding coast. Eryri lies to the northeast, while Garn Bach is southeast of the main summit. Long-distance views depend on visibility.

Geology

Carn Fadryn is formed by a porphyritic quartz-microdiorite intrusion of Caradoc age within the Ordovician. British Geological Survey descriptions identify quartz and plagioclase crystals in a finer-grained groundmass. Nearby Garn Bach is formed by a separate dacite intrusion.

History

The scheduled hillfort, CN011, has two phases of stone defences and numerous hut remains. A small summit stronghold is commonly identified with the castle of the sons of Owain Gwynedd described by Gerald of Wales in 1188; Cadw and Heneb qualify that identification. The scheduled area also includes settlement remains on Garn Bach.

Access and facilities

Both described walks start at SH278345 beside Garnfadryn’s former chapel. Parking is limited and the lane and entrances must remain clear. Nefyn Coaches 8A and some Saturday 8B journeys appear in the village timetables, but check both directions and school-day conditions before relying on them. Bring food and drinking water for the walk.

Published routes describe the hill’s access land and village approach. Check Gwynedd rights-of-way information and Natural Resources Wales access restrictions before travel, and follow notices on the ground.

Safety and heritage care

The upper path is steep and can be slippery when wet. The summit is exposed to wind and low cloud; allow daylight for the descent. The longer circuit includes overgrown field paths, gates, stiles and lanes. Keep dogs under close control near livestock, use existing paths and wall gaps, and leave the ancient masonry undisturbed.

Maps and sources

OS Explorer 253 and Landranger 123 cover the hill. Sources checked on 17 October 2026; this is separate from the DoBIH row revision of 6 December 2020, BGS memoir publication in 2002, and Cadw’s historical May 2011 site audit. The published walking times apply to complete returns; cycling itineraries and one-way ascent times are not used.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carn Fadryn from Garnfadryn

From the roadside parking west of Garnfadryn’s former chapel (SH278345), walk back past the chapel and turn left up the enclosed lane. Beyond the gate, turn right with the wall on your right. The path later turns left away from the wall and climbs steeply to the summit area. Return by the same path and lane to the parking. Walking Britain gives 2.4 km, 182 m of ascent and 1 hour 20 minutes for the full return, graded easy; the upper path is steep and rocky.

2.4 km Easy; steep and rocky

Garn Bach and Carn Fadryn circuit

Start west of the former chapel in Garnfadryn (SH278345). Follow the lane with Carn Fadryn on your right, continuing straight at the first junction and taking the right branch at the next two forks. Tracks and field paths pass the plantation, then lead east and southeast to Caerau-Uchaf. Continue towards Pen-y-Caeru; before its trees, turn right by the wall and climb Garn Bach. Descend beside the wall to the col, pass through the wall gap and follow the grassy path southwest, then turn uphill through another gap for Carn Fadryn. Retrace the summit path to the lower wall, bear right, and take the enclosed track on the left back to the village and parking. Walking Britain gives 8.1 km, 333 m of ascent and 3 hours 20 minutes for this complete two-hill circuit, graded easy to moderate. Expect overgrown paths, gates, stiles and a steep summit climb.

8.1 km Easy to moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

371m

1,217 ft

Prominence

343m

Coordinates

52.8865, -4.5599

SH278351

OS Map

123

Explorer: 253

At the Summit

The DoBIH high point is a rock 2 m southeast of the trig pillar. The top of this rock is recorded as 10 cm above the pillar’s flush bracket. The hillfort walls and summit stronghold are separate archaeological features.

Terrain & Geology

Enclosed approach lane grassy and stony hill paths steep stepped and rocky upper slopes exposed summit. The longer circuit adds field paths gates stiles and sections that can become overgrown.

Carn Fadryn is formed by a porphyritic quartz-microdiorite intrusion of Caradoc age within the Ordovician. British Geological Survey descriptions identify quartz and plagioclase crystals in a finer-grained groundmass. Nearby Garn Bach is formed by a separate dacite intrusion.

Views & Scenery

Broad views across the Llŷn Peninsula and surrounding coast, with the mountains of Eryri to the northeast in clear weather. Garn Bach lies southeast of the main summit.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

The scheduled hillfort, CN011, has two phases of stone defences and numerous hut remains. A small summit stronghold is commonly identified with the castle of the sons of Owain Gwynedd described by Gerald of Wales in 1188; Cadw and Heneb qualify that identification. The scheduled area also includes settlement remains on Garn Bach.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Roadside parking just west of the former chapel in Garnfadryn, SH278345, is the start used by both published routes. Space is limited; keep entrances and the narrow lane clear. Check Gwynedd rights-of-way information, NRW access restrictions and local notices before walking.

Public Transport

Garnfadryn appears in Nefyn Coaches 8A timetables and on some Saturday 8B journeys. Service is sparse and varies by direction and school-day conditions. Check the current Gwynedd or Traveline timetable for both legs before planning a bus-based walk.

Nearby Facilities

Bring food and drinking water for the walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The summit approach is steep and rocky, with steps; wet rock and grass can be slippery on descent.
  • The hilltop is exposed to strong winds and low cloud. Leave enough daylight to descend the rocky path.
  • The longer circuit includes lanes, stiles and overgrown field paths. Follow established paths and wall gaps, protect the hillfort remains, and keep dogs under close control around livestock.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn Fadryn?

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Are there other walkers around Carn Fadryn?

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Can I organise a walk to Carn Fadryn?

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

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Can I suggest a new route up Carn Fadryn?

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Location

Carn Fadryn location map

Grid reference: SH278351

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