Mynydd Mawr

Mynydd Mawr, which literally means 'Big Mountain', is a hill in the northern Eifionydd of Snowdonia. Despite its audacious title, it is not big, not even by Britain's modest standards, only just managing to reach half the height of its westward companion, Snowdon. Its summit also lacks the charisma of its neighbour, being neither overly prominent nor particularly dramatic, and the means at which it is reached is unlikely to thrill or excite if judged solely on its own merits. But in spite of these shortcomings the mountain is not without its charm, for the effort expelled in ascending its slopes is generously rewarded with one of the best views in Wales. Lain out before its inconspicuous summit is a vista par excellence, encompassing the sweeping arm of the Lleyn Peninsula, the enticing peaks and troughs of the Nantlle Ridge, the familiar but never tiresome bastion of Yr Wyddfa, and beyond the turbulent waters of the Menai Straights, the island of Anglesey, Wales' breadbasket and ancient home of the druids, unfolds into the distance.

The view is not the only enticement; if you're a rock climber, the mountain is home to a wealth of esoteric delights. Perhaps the most impressive of these is the south facing Craig y Bera, which offers a plethora of long mountain routes to anyone who is willing to take on the crag's unpredictable rock. It's thanks to the reputation of this rock, combined with the necessary long approaches, that the crag receives few visitors, and so for those willing to brave it, glorious solitude awaits, and this in one of Britain's most well trodden areas.

There are a number of possible routes to the summit - none of which are particularly well defined. The best approach (in my humble opinion) is probably from Dyffryn Nantlle. Park somewhere along the B4418 and make your way, via a choice of pathways, onto the ridge that leads to Mynydd Mawr's sub-summit Foel Rudd, which is marked by a medium sized cairn. Then bare westwards along the broad ridge, skirting the edge of Crag y Bera, until you reach the summit proper. This is marked by a low circular cairn.

Two scrambles have been described on the mountain, one on Craig Cwm Du and the other on Craig y Bera. Both crags have a reputation for loose and friable rock, therefore perspective scramblers should be as adept at judging the quality of rock as they are at scrambling itself.

Sentries Ridge (Grade 2 or 3)

This classic route takes the huge buttresses and pinnacles of Craig y Bera. It begins around halfway along the crag and takes a more or less direct line up a prominent and pinnacled ridge, which gradually becomes steeper the higher one climbs.

Bear Buttresses (Grade 2/3)

A intimidating route, which begins difficultly but on good rock and follows a series of gendarmes and ribs to easier, but less stable, scrambling above. Difficulties can be avoided, but only be devious and obscure means. The crux, although not technically difficult, is the precarious ascent of Bear Tower near the end of the route.

Due to its slightly detached position and consequent long approaches, combined with tales of dubious rock and historical access issues, Mynydd Mawr has never been as popular with climbers as it perhaps should. The mountain's climbing is split between three areas – Craig Cwm Du in the north, Castell Cidwm in the east and finally, Craig y Bera in the south.

Climbs are listed from left to right, and are graded and rated with the aid of the Climbers’ Club Guide to Cwm Silyn and Cwellyn (Eifionydd), so for full descriptions, please refer to this book.

Routes are graded using the British Adjectival Grading System. Technical grades are generally only given to climbs graded adjectivally as Severe (S) or above. A conversion table of international climbing grades by SP member Corax is available HERE! Bolting is strictly prohibited on the crags listed here.

Route Symbols:

A so-so route, neither good nor bad. Not unpleasant unless otherwise stated. A good route which is definitely worth a climb. A very good route, one of the best on the crag and well worthy of attention. An excellent route, one of the best in the area, and probably in Britain too.

No Restrictions Used to indicate that there are currently no restrictions, either seasonal, temporary or permanent, affecting a route. Restrictions Used to indicate that there are restrictions, either seasonal, temporary or permanent, affecting a route. See the Red Tape and Access Section for more details.

Craig Cwm Du

Craig Cwm Du occupies a dark and quiet corner on the mountain's northern flank. The crag's routes have a strong mountain character and were once popular with the pioneering climbers of the Edwardian era. Unfortunately much of the rock is quite friable and loose and it has since fallen from grace.