SH6161 : Blockfield on the summit of Elidir Fawr

Elidir Fawr

924m Elevation
213m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6161 : Blockfield on the summit of Elidir Fawr

Eric Jones Photo source

Overview

Elidir Fawr

Elidir Fawr is a 924 m mountain in the Glyderau of Eryri, above Nant Peris and the Dinorwig quarry landscape. Its summit is a rock about 25 m south-southwest of the windshelter.

Walking route

The described circuit starts and finishes in Nant Peris, climbing Elidir Fawr before continuing to Y Garn and returning by Llwybr y Carw. It is a strenuous mountain day. Its published full-return distance, ascent and duration range are listed in the route description; optional extra summits and parking approaches need separate allowance.

Terrain and safety

Expect steep slopes, a narrow rocky ridge and a loose descent. Route-finding matters in poor visibility, particularly at the return-path junction before Llyn y Cwn and on the descent above steep drops. Carry appropriate equipment and check forecasts and ground conditions. Snow and ice require additional skills.

Landscape and history

The southwest slopes include sandstone and mudstone. The precise summit formation has not been established here. In clear weather, the surrounding Glyderau, Tryfan and Carneddau provide wide mountain views.

Dinorwig Power Station occupies caverns inside Elidir Fawr. Opened in 1984, it connects the upper reservoir at Marchlyn Mawr with Llyn Peris below. The mountain’s name is commonly translated as Big Elidir; a more specific historical derivation remains unverified.

Access and facilities

Use the National Park car park in Nant Peris and check its current payment signs, or plan a journey on the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service. Public toilets in the village are seasonal. The route’s measurement anchor is the Vaynol Arms, so allow separately for any approach from parking. No private parking permission or current mountain access clearance is implied.

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Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

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Beddgelert Forest: Llyn Llywelyn Woodland Circuit

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Llyn Crafnant: Lakeside Circuit from the NRW Car Park

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Route planning notes

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

Elidir Fawr and Y Garn circuit from Nant Peris

Start and finish by the Vaynol Arms in Nant Peris. Take the minor-road approach past Fronwydyr, then the signed field path and river footbridge before the steep ascent to Elidir Fawr. Visit the recorded summit rock about 25 m south-southwest of the windshelter. Continue along the rocky ridge towards Y Garn, climb its summit, then descend towards Llyn y Cwn. Turn right before the lake onto Llwybr y Carw and descend carefully to the road, returning to Nant Peris. Published whole-circuit figures are 12.8 km, 1175 m ascent and 5.5–7.5 hours. They exclude unmeasured parking approaches or optional extra summits; the guide’s exact GPS contact with the summit rock has not been checked.

12.8 km Hard mountain walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain

Elevation

924m

3,031 ft

Prominence

213m

Coordinates

53.1307, -4.0764

SH611612

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The recorded summit is a rock about 25 m south-southwest of the windshelter. The shelter is at SH 61197 61304; it should not be confused with the exact high point.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and steep with some grassy slopes interspersed; prepare for a mix of surfaces underfoot.

Sandstone and mudstone bands are recorded on Elidir Fawr’s southwestern slopes. The surrounding uplands contain Cambrian and Ordovician sedimentary strata, with some igneous rocks in the wider area. The exact formation at the summit has not been established here.

Views & Scenery

Views across the Glyderau towards Tryfan and the Carneddau in clear conditions, with the surrounding valleys and reservoirs forming part of the mountain landscape.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name is commonly translated as ‘Big Elidir’. The origin of Elidir itself has not been established in this review.

Historical Significance

Dinorwig Power Station was built in caverns inside Elidir Fawr and opened in 1984. It uses Marchlyn Mawr as its upper reservoir and Llyn Peris as its lower reservoir, within the former Dinorwig slate-quarry landscape.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The National Park car park at Nant Peris is suitable for the village-based route. Charges apply and the authority lists card or contactless payment. Follow current signs; the route’s published figures start by the Vaynol Arms and do not validate an additional parking approach or permission to use private pub parking.

Public Transport

Sherpa’r Wyddfa buses serve Nant Peris. Consult the current timetable and plan the return journey before setting out.

Nearby Facilities

Nant Peris has seasonal public toilets; the authority lists RADAR-key access for the accessible facility. Check current opening arrangements. Do not rely on services on the mountain.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep ascent, a narrow rocky ridge and a steep, loose descent on the Nant Peris–Y Garn circuit.
  • Navigation is important, especially near the Llwybr y Carw turn before Llyn y Cwn and where descent paths divide above steep drops.
  • Poor visibility, strong wind, snow and ice can substantially increase the difficulty. Check mountain forecasts and carry suitable navigation and equipment.

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 Elidir Fawr?

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

Are there other walkers around Elidir 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 Elidir Fawr search or of course create your own walk for Elidir Fawr

Can I organise a walk to Elidir 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 Elidir 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 Elidir 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 Elidir Fawr here

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

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Location

Elidir Fawr location map

Grid reference: SH611612

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Nearby Hills

Y Garn

946m

Glyder Fawr

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 Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa

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1,085m

Y Lliwedd

898m

Carnedd Dafydd

1,044m
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