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Cwm Mynach From Penmaenpool

By Dave Roberts   

on May 18, 2014    4/5 (1)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Woodland Walks in Snowdonia

Cwm Mynach From Penmaenpool

Route Essentials

Route Summary

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

13.97 km

Ascent

382 m

Time

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Difficulty

Moderate Walk, Mountain Biking, Trail or Fell Runs

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Cwm Mynach From Penmaenpool Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Cwm Mynach From Penmaenpool

This is a straightforward walk, trail run or rough cycle starting from the George at Penmaenpool, or from the other side of the Mawddach (parking available further along the main road. You could easily extend the walk into the Rhinogydd or perhaps descend to Ganllwyd from the col (which at that point is the shortest route to safety!).

While it’s a scenic enough route, it’s still typically coniferous in nature! Can’t wait to see what it’s like in 50 years’ time when the Woodland Trust hope that broadleaf forest will dominate.

The Route

1 –Start from the George at Penmaenpool, near Dolgellau, and cross the Penmaenpool Bridge (make sure you’ve got 20p to cross, and to get back, though it may have increased by now). Follow the road across the estuary before crossing the main road.

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2 – Cross the main road and follow the minor road, which essentially is all you need to follow in order to get into the Cwm. It’s a bit steep to begin with, but soon eases off.

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3 Continue along this country lane until you reach a clapper bridge (SH684 208) and a track into the forestry to the right.

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4 – This track rises steadily, with the sloped of Y Garn looming above, all the way to the Col in just over 3km. This is the first genuine junction you come to, and you could easily turn right for Ganllwyd or add a little dog leg towards the quarries past Hafod y Brenin. It may be a dog leg, but you’ll feel exceptionally remote!

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5 – Turn left at the track junction, taking care to find the path off for the lake after about 1km. That’s a dog-leg, so once back on the track, all that’s left to do is to follow it downhill, ensuring you take the track to the left at (SH683 222).

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6 – Its downhill, bar a few rises, all the way now – making up for all that effort on the way in. Following the minor road until you reach the clapper bridge mentioned in 3 above, from where you can easily follow your footsteps to the start.

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Remember that the Penmaenpool Bridge may not be open very early or very late – so it’s best to check as you’re setting off or to park the opposite side of the estuary. The George also comes highly recommended, for thirst quenching as well as food.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
13.97 km 382 m

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk, Mountain Biking, Trail or Fell Runs

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Check out the businesses nearby for more places to stay and drink.

Hazards

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking :

Public Transport:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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