Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the car park in Cwm Cywarch, the dead-end valley above Dinas Mawddwy, at about 141 m. A path leaves the valley floor and climbs the west side to the ridge, then follows the ridge north-east to the summit of Aran Fawddwy, 905.6 m, the highest mountain in Wales outside north Snowdonia, with a steep drop to Creiglyn Dyfi, the small lake that is the source of the River Dyfi. The way down returns along the ridge, passes Drysgol and turns down the east side of the valley by a clear path to the car park.
It is 11.8 km with 786 m of ascent; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Hard.
The summit is rocky with a steep drop on its east side: stay back from the edge, and in cloud or mist take a map and compass, as the top is exposed and the ground on the ridge is open and boggy in places. Keep to the signed paths near the farms at the head of the valley. There is no café or shop on the route.
OpenStreetMap shows no charge for the car park, which is at the end of a narrow lane from Dinas Mawddwy.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- At 905.6 m Aran Fawddwy is the only peak in Wales outside north Snowdonia above 900 m, and the highest British mountain south of Snowdon
- Creiglyn Dyfi, the small lake under its eastern cliffs, is the source of the River Dyfi
- A cairn on the eastern ridge remembers an RAF Mountain Rescue team member killed by lightning there in 1960
- On a clear day the view from the summit reaches the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire
Summits on the way
- Waun Camddwr 622 m · passed close by
- Aran Fawddwy 906 m
- Drysgol 731 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Cwm Cywarch car park. 52.75513, -3.70184
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Machynlleth: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.