SH6446 : The ridge ahead
Mountain walk with short rocky scrambles

Cnicht

691m Elevation
105m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6446 : The ridge ahead

Ian Greig Photo source

Overview

Cnicht rises above Croesor in the Moelwynion of Eryri, Gwynedd. Its pointed profile from the southwest has earned it the nickname Welsh Matterhorn, although the summit stands at the end of a longer ridge. The main top is 690.9 m high. The popular Croesor ascent finishes with short rocky scrambles; longer circuits cross remote, sometimes boggy uplands around Llyn yr Adar and the former slate quarries.

Cnicht

Cnicht is a 690.9 m mountain above Croesor in the Moelwynion, within Eryri National Park. Seen from the southwest, its pointed outline explains the familiar nickname Welsh Matterhorn. From other directions, the longer summit ridge becomes clear.

The summit and ridge

The main summit is the middle of three rocky outcrops. Cnicht North Top, at 690.2 m, is a separate summit farther northeast. Views include Moelwyn Mawr across Cwm Croesor, the Snowdon range and Tremadog Bay when conditions are clear.

Walking routes

Croesor is the usual starting village. Its direct ascent becomes steeper near the top and includes short rocky scrambles. Continuing along the ridge towards Llyn yr Adar opens up several longer circuits, but the terrain becomes less straightforward: paths can fade into wet grass and bog, and navigation matters in cloud.

The route choices below describe distinct published itineraries. The Llyn Cwm-y-foel circuit, the Rhosydd quarry circuit and the Moelwyn Mawr circuit have different returns and should not be treated as interchangeable. Approaches from Blaen Nanmor and Beddgelert make longer mountain days through the northern lake country.

Eryri National Park also promotes a 5.5 km Croesor Circular through the surrounding countryside. That route stays below Cnicht and does not visit its summit.

Landscape and history

Hard igneous rocks and glacial erosion helped shape this striking ridge and valley. Croesor grew with the nineteenth-century slate industry; quarry tracks, inclines and ruins remain a prominent part of the landscape.

Planning the walk

Use the designated Croesor village car park and keep access routes clear. Bring supplies for the hill and check seasonal café opening before relying on refreshments. The council lists an on-demand bus service to Croesor, so confirm booking and return arrangements ahead of travel.

Wet rock can make the summit steps slippery. Longer loops require confident navigation across the uplands. Quarry remains are best viewed from surface paths: avoid open shafts, unstable edges and underground workings. Carry suitable mountain equipment and change plans if conditions exceed the group’s ability.

Explore routes near Cnicht

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Beddgelert Forest: Derwen Circuit and Llyn Llywelyn

11 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Beddgelert Forest: Llyn Llywelyn Woodland Circuit

4.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

12.3 km ~5h 30m Hard

View route

Northern Rhinogydd guided mountain walk

View route

Route planning notes

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

Cnicht and Llyn Cwm-y-foel from Croesor

Walking Britain walk 1127 climbs Cnicht from Croesor, then crosses the ridge to Llyn yr Adar. It returns via rough ground above Llyn Cwm-y-foel and the Cwm Croesor valley. Short rocky scrambles lead to the summit; the upland section has faint paths. The publisher grades this complete circuit Moderate.

10.2 km ~4.5 hours Moderate (Walking Britain)

Cnicht and Moelwyn Mawr from Croesor

Walking Britain walk 1422 links Cnicht, the northern lakes and quarry country with Moelwyn Mawr, then returns via Bwlch Stwlan and the lower paths to Croesor. It has indistinct and marshy sections and passes unfenced quarry workings. The publisher grades the full circuit Moderate and estimates 6 hours 40 minutes.

13 km Moderate (Walking Britain)

Cnicht and Llyn yr Adar from Beddgelert

Mud and Routes describes a long circuit from Beddgelert via Llyn Dinas, the Nantmor road and the Llyn Llagi area to Llyn yr Adar and Cnicht. Descend the rocky southwest approach and return by Bwlchgwernog, Nantmor and the riverside path. Boggy ground, navigation in mist and a slippery descent add to the effort. The publisher grades it Strenuous Walk.

19.6 km ~7 hours Strenuous Walk (Mud and Routes)

Cnicht from Blaen Nanmor via Gelli Iago

go4awalk route gw163 is a complete circuit through Gelli Iago, Bwlch y Battel and Croesor Bach to Cnicht and its separate North Top, returning past Llyn yr Adar and Llyn Llagi to Blaen Nanmor. It includes steep rocky scrambling and rough upland terrain. The publisher grades the route Hard.

11 km ~5 hours Hard (go4awalk)

Cnicht and Rhosydd Quarry circuit from Croesor

Mud and Routes climbs Cnicht from Croesor, continues towards Llyn yr Adar, then crosses faint upland paths to Rhosydd Quarry and descends past Croesor Quarry into Cwm Croesor. The publisher grades this complete circuit Hard Walk and suggests about 4 hours. Navigation beyond the summit needs care; remain on surface routes away from shafts and unstable quarry edges.

10.5 km Hard Walk (Mud and Routes)
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall

Elevation

691m

2,267 ft

Prominence

105m

Coordinates

52.9997, -4.0199

SH645466

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The highest point is the middle of three rocky outcrops. Cnicht North Top is a separate, slightly lower summit farther along the ridge to the northeast.

Terrain & Geology

Steep mountain paths short rocky scrambling near the summit grassy ridge wet and boggy upland ground faint paths on longer circuits old quarry tracks

Cnicht belongs to the igneous landscape of the Moelwynion. Eryri National Park describes harder igneous intrusions surviving as surrounding Ordovician sedimentary rocks were eroded by glaciers. Glacial erosion also shaped Cwm Croesor below the ridge.

Views & Scenery

Moelwyn Mawr across Cwm Croesor, Yr Wyddfa and the Snowdon range, the upland lakes around Llyn yr Adar, and Porthmadog and Tremadog Bay in clear weather.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Croesor developed as a nineteenth-century slate-quarrying village. Quarry tracks, inclines and ruined buildings around Croesor and Rhosydd recall the industry that once linked the uplands with the coast. Cnicht’s pointed outline above the valley is widely known as the Welsh Matterhorn.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the designated village car park in Croesor, around OS grid reference SH631446. The approach roads are narrow. Keep field entrances, passing places and access to homes clear. Confirm any current charges or restrictions on arrival.

Public Transport

Gwynedd lists 99A/99B Porthmadog–Croesor–Rhyd as an on-demand service. Check current operating days, booking arrangements and your return journey with the council or operator before relying on it.

Nearby Facilities

Carry food and drinking water for the mountain. Oriel Caffi Croesor is listed by the Snowdonia Slate Trail Trust, but opening is seasonal and should be checked before a visit. Arrange supplies before reaching the trailhead.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep rocky steps and drops around the summit require care, particularly when wet or windy.
  • Beyond the summit ridge, faint paths and boggy ground around Llyn yr Adar can be difficult to navigate in mist.
  • Quarry circuits pass open shafts, unstable edges and loose slate. Stay on surface paths and keep out of adits and abandoned workings.
  • Check the mountain forecast and carry a map, compass, suitable clothing, food and water.

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 Cnicht?

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

Are there other walkers around Cnicht?

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 Cnicht search or of course create your own walk for Cnicht

Can I organise a walk to Cnicht?

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 Cnicht.

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 Cnicht?

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 Cnicht here

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

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Location

Cnicht location map

Grid reference: SH645466

View on OpenStreetMap

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