Arenig Fawr Walk

Set off along a trail on the south side of the road, away from the lake. It’s steep at first but levels out as it bends to the left. This brings you around the shores of Llyn Arenig Fawr, the lake on your right-hand side. A compact little bothy provides shelter for a quick rest before tackling the rest of the ascent. Clamber over a stile to your right and cross the river, where a fairly clear path shows your way up the Y Castell slope.

You’ll come to a fence that has likely been visible for some time. From here, the path follows the contours of Arenig Fawr instead of heading directly for the summit. Push through a few boggy sections, then up through a final section of loose scree to the top. A shelter and a memorial mark the summit of Arenig Fawr. An American B17 bomber crashed into the mountain in 1943, with all eight onboard perishing in the accident. With your location in the center of Snowdonia, the panoramic views are excellent in all directions. When it’s time to descend, retrace your steps back to the fence and down Y Castell, then back around the shore of Llyn Arenig Fawr towards your starting point.