SH4046 : The summits of the Gurns from Yr Eifl

Gyrn Ddu

522m Elevation
386m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SH4046 : The summits of the Gurns from Yr Eifl

Eric Jones Photo source

Explore routes near Gyrn Ddu

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

Route planning notes

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

Gyrn Ddu Loop

A circular route starting from the nearby village of Gellilydan, taking you through lush valleys and up to the summit with panoramic views.

7.5 km ~3 hours Moderate
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.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey

Elevation

522m

1,713 ft

Prominence

386m

Coordinates

52.9945, -4.3837

SH401467

OS Map

115 123

Explorer: 254

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a small stone cairn marking the top, offering a great spot for a well-deserved rest and a photo opportunity.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is mainly rocky with patches of grass becoming notably boggy in wet conditions so sturdy boots are a must!

Gyrn Ddu consists primarily of volcanic rock, specifically rhyolitic intrusions that give the summit a rugged terrain. The area is rich in geological history, showcasing the remnants of intense volcanic activity.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can admire views of the Snowdon massif, the northern coast of Wales, and, on clear days, even the Isle of Man.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Gyrn Ddu translates to 'Black Hill' in Welsh, aptly named considering its dark volcanic rock.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in both archaeological and historical significance, with evidence of ancient settlements and mining in the vicinity.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park in Gellilydan, just a short walk from the trailhead. It can fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Blaenau Ffestiniog, from which you can take a local bus to Gellilydan.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby facilities include a couple of quaint pubs in Gellilydan and basic amenities such as toilets, though it's advisable to stock up on food and water before heading out.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift rapidly in mountain areas. Watch out for loose rocks on steep sections.

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 Gyrn Ddu?

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

Are there other walkers around Gyrn 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 Gyrn Ddu search or of course create your own walk for Gyrn Ddu

Can I organise a walk to Gyrn 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 Gyrn 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 Gyrn 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 Gyrn 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: SH401467

View on OpenStreetMap

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