SH8623 : Cairn on Erw y Ddafad ddu

Erw y Ddafad-ddu

872m Elevation
39m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH8623 : Cairn on Erw y Ddafad ddu

Steven Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Erw y Ddafad-ddu

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

Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy from LLanuwchllyn

17.5 km ~9h Moderate

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Coed y Brenin: Pont Ty'n-y-groes and Mawddach Forest Trail

10.7 km ~4h Moderate

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Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool to Dolgellau Riverside Return

7.3 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Cadair Idris - Pony Path

9 km ~3h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Folks from the Valleys

A scenic route starting from the village of Cwm Pennant, this path winds through peaceful valleys and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

6.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain

Elevation

872m

2,861 ft

Prominence

39m

Coordinates

52.7961, -3.6852

SH864233

OS Map

124 125

Explorer: OL23E

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn and a stunning viewfinder, perfect for spotting nearby peaks. Be prepared for a bit of rock juggling if you want to reach the top!

Terrain & Geology

A mixture of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with occasional boggy patches that will test your waterproof boots; beware of the 'squishy surprise'!

Erw y Ddafad-ddu is primarily composed of sandstone and slate, which can be found in abundance throughout Snowdonia. This rock formation contributes to the rugged beauty and the striking views available from its summit.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the majestic peaks of Snowdon, the expansive Llyn Peninsula, and even glimpses of the Irish Sea.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Erw y Ddafad-ddu' translates to 'The Field of the Black Ewe', reflecting perhaps an ancient grazing area ripe for tiny hooved critters.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been part of local folklore and stories, where it's said that sheep, or perhaps a mythical creature, once roamed its slopes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at Cwm Pennant (SH877233), which can accommodate around 10 cars. Arrive early to secure a spot!

Public Transport

Buses from Caernarfon and Porthmadog serve Cwm Pennant, but be sure to check the local schedules as they can be a bit wonky!

Nearby Facilities

You'll find a lovely café in Cwm Pennant where you can warm up with a cuppa and possibly some cake after your hike. Just make sure you save room for the delicious local treats!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes typical in the region, loose rocks on the ascent, and potentially muddy paths that might just swallow a boot.

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 Erw y Ddafad-ddu?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Erw y Ddafad-ddu through the maps

Are there other walkers around Erw y Ddafad-ddu?

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 Erw y Ddafad-ddu search or of course create your own walk for Erw y Ddafad-ddu

Can I organise a walk to Erw y Ddafad-ddu?

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 Erw y Ddafad-ddu.

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 Erw y Ddafad-ddu?

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 Erw y Ddafad-ddu 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SH864233

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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Y Garn

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Cadair Idris - Penygadair

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