Pen y Foel

Pen y Foel

Pen y Foel Group Walks | Join a Walk

331m Elevation
60m Prominence
Wales Country

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Classifications

300-399m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Pen y Foel together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

331m

1,086 ft

Prominence

60m

Coordinates

51.6410, -3.3453

ST070944

OS Map

170

Explorer: 166E

At the Summit

The summit is adorned with a small stone cairn, offering a perfect photo opportunity for those who reach it. A modest trig point stands as a silent guardian over the magnificent views.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with some boggy areas especially after rainfall. Sturdy footwear is a must to navigate the tricky bits!

The mountain is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it its distinctive reddish hue. Erosion has created an interesting landscape featuring craggy outcrops and gentle slopes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can gaze upon the stunning vistas of the Dyfi Valley and the higher peaks of Snowdonia, including Cadair Idris to the north.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Pen y Foel translates as 'Top of the Hill' in Welsh, which is quite literal but gives you an idea of how the mountain favored humility over grandeur.

Historical Significance

The area holds cultural significance as part of ancient grazing lands and is imbued with local legends, making it a fascinating spot for both hikers and history buffs.

Popular Routes

Cwm Cywarch Circular

Moderate

A rewarding circular route starting from Cwm Cywarch, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

8.5 km 3.5 hours

Cwm Ffinnant Approach

Easy

An accessible route leading up from Cwm Ffinnant, combining scenic views with a gentle ascent.

6 km 2.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at Cwm Cywarch (grid reference: SN 818 149) which accommodates about a dozen vehicles. Arrive early to secure a space, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Machynlleth, with a short walk to reach the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but Machynlleth offers a selection of cafés, pubs, and toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potentially slippery paths, especially in wet conditions. Be wary of sudden weather changes common to the Cambrian 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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Pen y Foel?

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

Are there other walkers around Pen y Foel?

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 Pen y Foel search or of course create your own walk for Pen y Foel

Can I organise a walk to Pen y Foel?

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 Pen y Foel.

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 Pen y Foel?

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 Pen y Foel 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