SH6446 : Cnicht

Cnicht North Top

690m Elevation
19m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6446 : Cnicht

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Cnicht North Top

Cnicht North Top is a splendid spot that sits proudly at an elevation of 689 meters within the beautiful Snowdonia region of Wales. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Snowdon, Cnicht North Top offers a delightful escape into nature.

Geology

The mountain showcases fascinating volcanic geology, primarily consisting of rhyolite rock formed from ancient volcanic activity. This gives the landscape its rugged charm and creates unique features to explore along the hiking routes.

Routes

Cnicht North Top from Croesor
This moderate route begins in the quaint village of Croesor, meandering through lush valleys and rocky outcrops. At a comfortable 8 km distance, it typically takes about 4 hours to reach the summit, allowing plenty of stops to marvel at the scenery.

Cnicht North Top via the Moelwyns
For the more adventurous souls, this challenging route is about 12.5 km long and can take around 6 hours. It combines the stunning traverses of nearby Moelwyns with the ascent to Cnicht, promising a good workout and spectacular views.

Summit Features

The summit is marked by a rocky outcrop and a small cairn, perfect for taking that all-important summit photo to brag on social media later.

Terrain Type

Expect a mix of rocky paths and grassy meadows, with some boggy bits near the base. Walking boots will be your best friend here!

Views

From the summit, the views are nothing short of spectacular, presenting a panorama that includes the Rivals, Moelwyns, and on a clear day, Snowdon! Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit for those perfect shots with minimal cloud cover.

Hazards

Like any mountain adventure, there are a few hazards to keep an eye on. Loose rocks in wet conditions can be tricky. Always keep an eye on the weather; it can change as quickly as a cat chasing a laser pointer!

Nearby Summits

For those looking to extend their hike, Cnicht North Top is complemented by the nearby Cnicht and Moelwyn Mawr, both offering additional exploration opportunities.

Access

The closest access point is from Croesor, which has limited parking, so aim to arrive early. Public transport links are available, with regular buses to Porthmadog, roughly a 4-mile walk to Croesor from there.

Facilities

While there's a quaint lack of facilities on the mountain itself, Porthmadog does offer an array of cafés, shops, and toilets for your post-hike indulgences.

History

The name 'Cnicht' means 'the Knight' in Welsh, suggesting a storied past that adds a layer of intrigue to your hike. Despite being less popular than Snowdon, Cnicht North Top is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Grab your gear, pack some snacks, and prepare for a memorable hike at Cnicht North Top - where the views are as vast as the legends!

Explore routes near Cnicht North Top

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

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Beddgelert Forest: Llyn Llywelyn Woodland Circuit

4.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

12.3 km ~5h 30m Hard

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Northern Rhinogydd guided mountain walk

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Route planning notes

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

Cnicht North Top from Croesor

A lovely route starting from the village of Croesor, this trek provides a gradual ascent with some breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

8 km ~4 hours Moderate

Cnicht North Top via the Moelwyns

An adventurous path that combines traversing nearby Moelwyns with the ascent to Cnicht, perfect for those looking to rack up their step count!

12.5 km ~6 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall

Elevation

690m

2,264 ft

Prominence

19m

Coordinates

53.0020, -4.0162

SH647468

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a prominent rocky outcrop and features a small stone cairn, the perfect spot for a victory selfie!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggier sections near the base.

The mountain's geology primarily consists of volcanic rock, specifically rhyolite. This rocky terrain was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, providing a unique landscape that hikers can explore.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the Rivals, the Moelwyns, and even a peek at the majestic Snowdon on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cnicht' translates to 'the Knight' in Welsh, likely referring to its imposing knight-like stance over the landscape.

Historical Significance

Cnicht North Top is considered a hidden gem in the Snowdonia area, attracting hikers who seek less crowded paths while still enjoying spectacular views.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Croesor, where there is a small car park that fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Public Transport

Regular buses run to Porthmadog from major towns, and it's about a 4-mile walk from Porthmadog to Croesor.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the route, but the nearest town, Porthmadog, has cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks in some areas can be tricky, especially in wet conditions. Be careful with footing and always be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains.

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 North Top?

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

Are there other walkers around Cnicht North Top?

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 North Top search or of course create your own walk for Cnicht North Top

Can I organise a walk to Cnicht North Top?

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 North Top.

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 North Top?

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 North Top 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

Location

Cnicht North Top location map

Grid reference: SH647468

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Cnicht

691m

Moelwyn Mawr

770m

Y Lliwedd

898m

 Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa

Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa

1,085m

Glyder Fawr

1,001m
See 5 more nearby hills