Mynydd Mawr — Local services in Llandwrog

Known also as Elephant mountain due to its outline when viewed from the Caernarfon side, North West, it's isolated from the other nearby peaks by the Gwyrfai and Nantlle valleys. The humped dome that rises from the upland moors behind Rhosgadfan, being a part of the feature of Mynydd Mawr that describes it's elephantine appearance is something of a slog when ascending from that direction. However you are compensated by magnificent views over Caernarfon Bay, across Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula. On reaching the summit you are further rewarded as the views open over the mountains of Snowdonia. The Nantlle Ridge and Moel Hebog over to Cardigan Bay in front of you to South and West and the towering bulk of Snowdon to the South East with glimpses of distant ranges over the Rhinogs and on to Cader Idris. To the east and north lie the Glyderau and Carneddau. A path from the summit will lead you towards the village of Rhyd Ddu. This path offers a perhaps more interesting approach than the one from the Rhosgadfan, Waunfawr, and Betws Garmon side, as it snakes its way along the ridge on the edge of the steep sided cwm that falls down to Castell Cidwm and the cliffs dropping to the...

Stunning scenery away from the more crowded paths. Several different routes to the summit. You will need basic equipment, walking boots and water, also check the weather before going as it can change rapidly and there are a few cliff edges which may not be visible if the clouds are low. Some parts are steep so care is needed. Takes between 1-2 hours to reach the summit. I went from the Fron side and it took me about an hour to summit at a brisk pace. You can view many of the other mountains of Eryri from the summit, and on a very clear day the Wicklow mountains in Ireland are visible. Worth...

Also known as Mynydd Eliffant. It was my first summit 20+ years ago. The view is fantastic on a clear day. Can be approached from Y fron if you want quiet parking, although the Rhyd-Ddu route is more interesting. It's also worth visiting colgwyn cwm bychan aka the 'pen yr eliffant /...