SH9828 : Sheep on heather slope

Foel Cedig

668m Elevation
180m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH9828 : Sheep on heather slope

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Overview

Discovering Foel Cedig

Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Foel Cedig stands proudly at 513 meters. A Marilyn, it’s a favourite for hikers seeking a relatively short but rewarding trek. Though not the tallest of mountains, its rugged charm and stunning views make it well worth the effort.

Geology

Foel Cedig is primarily composed of Cambrian slate, lending the mountain its distinct steep terrain and sharp profile. Hikers can admire the unique slate features, which are remnants of ancient geological processes. Just remember, don’t take any home – it’s a local treasure!

Routes

Cedig Minffordd Route

A moderate trail of 5 km, ideal for those who enjoy a challenge without overdoing it. Starting from Minffordd, this route leads you through scenic heather moorland and rocky outcrops. With a time estimate of about 2.5 hours, it’s a lovely afternoon stroll.

Tal y Llyn Lake Loop

For those feeling adventurous, the challenging Tal y Llyn Lake Loop is an 8 km round trip, taking roughly 4 hours. It’s worth it for the stunning views of the lake alongside the ascent, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Summit Features

At the pinnacle, you'll find a humble stone cairn. It’s a prime spot to reflect on your journey as well as to feed the ever-present seagulls who seem to have a knack for sneaking up on you.

Terrain

Expect a mix of rocky paths and grassy slopes, with some stretches that may resemble a DIY adventure through a bog. Ensure you wear sturdy footwear – your socks will thank you!

Views

On clear days, the summit rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas of Tal y Llyn Lake and the imposing peaks of Cadair Idris. In autumn, the vibrant colours are a feast for the eyes.

Hazards

As with all mountain adventures, there are hazards to be aware of. Stay vigilant about slippery paths, especially after a rain shower, and prepare for the unpredictable mountain weather.

Access

Parking is available at Minffordd car park, making your journey straightforward. Dolgellau serves as the nearest town, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat post-hike. Public transport options are slim, so private vehicles are advised.

Facilities

While the mountain itself lacks facilities, the charming town of Dolgellau is only a short drive away and offers cafes, shops, and restrooms to cater to your trekking needs.

History

The name 'Foel Cedig' translates to 'the hill of the medieval', hinting at its historic significance. Local legends often recount tales of ancient gatherings and skirmishes, adding a rich tapestry of history to your hiking experience.

Foel Cedig may not be the mightiest of peaks, but it boasts a character that belies its size, making it a delightful choice for hikers of all skill levels.

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Foel Cedig

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

View route

Arenig Fach guided mountain walk

View route

Waun-oer, Maesglase and Cribin Fawr guided mountain walk

View route

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

10.7 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Cedig Minffordd Route

A scenic route starting from the Minffordd road, passing through heather moorland and rocky outcrops, ending at the summit with panoramic views.

5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Tal y Llyn Lake Loop

A round trip that includes the stunning Tal y Llyn Lake, making it a wonderful scenic walk alongside ascending Foel Cedig.

8 km ~4 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall

Elevation

668m

2,190 ft

Prominence

180m

Coordinates

52.8428, -3.5133

SH981283

OS Map

125

Explorer: 255

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn, providing a perfect spot for a selfie or to simply ponder life’s big questions, like why we actually climb these hills.

Terrain & Geology

A mixture of rocky paths and grassy slopes with some boggy areas particularly after a good rain.

Foel Cedig is primarily composed of Cambrian slate, with rugged outcrops and occasional sedimentary features. The slate gives a characteristic sharp profile to the mountain's slopes, making it a notable landmark in the area.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the expansive vista of Tal y Llyn Lake, the rugged peaks of Cadair Idris, and the shimmering sands of Barmouth Bay on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Foel Cedig' rolls off the tongue quite nicely and translates to 'the hill of the medieval', hinting at its historic roots.

Historical Significance

Local folklore often mentions Foel Cedig as a site of ancient battles and gatherings, adding a layer of intrigue to your hike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Minffordd car park, which is convenient for starting the Cedig Minffordd Route.

Public Transport

There are limited bus services running to the area, with the closest major station being in Dolgellau, approximately 12 km away.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Dolgellau offers several cafes, shops, and public toilets for pre- or post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths in wet conditions, and the possibility of sudden weather changes typical of mountainous regions.

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 Foel Cedig?

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

Are there other walkers around Foel Cedig?

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 Foel Cedig search or of course create your own walk for Foel Cedig

Can I organise a walk to Foel Cedig?

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 Foel Cedig.

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 Foel Cedig?

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 Foel Cedig 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

Foel Cedig location map

Grid reference: SH981283

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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