For outdoor folk, mountaineering is rarely put off due to bad weather, however, in the summer, there are walks you just don’t want to miss. Wales has plenty of stunning, hidden gems to choose from, with valleys, hills and mountains guaranteed to provide the ‘wow’ factor.
Snowdon
With a height of 1,085m (3,560ft), Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh), is the tallest mountain in England and Wales. Welsh rock climbing began in the 19th century on the 16-mile-long Snowdon range. There are several different paths to the top today, and the rails are busy year-round.
This circuitous route, which includes the Pyg Track and the Miners’ Track, provides panoramic vistas and a variety of terrain as it ascends and descends to the summit. Thousands of hikers from across the country visit Snowdon every year, especially for the stunning sunrise moments.
Moel Tryfan near Caernarfon
Near the towns of Rhosgadfan, Y Fron, and Betws Garmon in the vicinity of Caernarfon is a tiny mountain called Moel Tryfan. It must not be mistaken with Tryfan, the higher and more well-known summit above Dyffryn Ogwen.
The smaller Mynydd Mawr’s westerly outlier, Moel Tryfan, is situated in northern Gwynedd, close outside the Snowdonia National Park.
Cader Idris
This peak is located close to Dolgellau at the southernmost point of Snowdonia National Park. For walkers and hikers, the mountain is one of the most well-liked in Wales. At 893 meters, it is part of the Wales ‘Three Peaks’ challenge.
‘Idris’s Chair’ is the meaning of the name Cader Idris. Idris is typically associated with giants, but it can also refer to Idris ap Gwyddno (or Gweiddno), a prince of Meirionnydd who defeated the Irish in a battle on the peak in the seventh century.
Many people disagree on how to spell the word “Cader.” Despite the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommendation that ‘Cadair’ be used on the park’s signs, National Park Council members chose to use ‘Cader’ in 2016. On modern maps, the mountain’s name is often spelt, Cadair Idris.
Aran Fawddwy
The highest peak in Wales that is not located in the Eryri region is Aran Fawddwy. By about 10 metres, it falls short of being one of the 14 or 15 peaks. Thus, the 14/15 Peaks are more manageable and the mountain is quieter. Whichever way you choose, it’s a difficult walk in a secluded area. We advise taking the complete route from Llanuwchllyn to Aran Fawddwy so you may walk up Aran Benllyn and see the mountain’s more magnificent eastern face.
Carnedd Llewellyn
Carnedd Llewellyn, the highest point of the Carneddau range in Snowdonia, Northwest Wales at 3,491 feet (1064 m), is named for Prince Llewellyn. Any ascent of Carnedd Llewellyn, which is situated between Carnedd Dafydd and Foel Grach, requires a protracted, laborious hike. This ascent is regarded by many climbers as being the hardest in the British Isles.
There are climbing cliffs all around the Carnedd Llewellyn top, including the “Black Ladders” of Ysgolion Duon and Craig yr Ysfa.
Pen y Fan
The Pen Y Fan trek, which is known as the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons region, is ideal for someone who appreciates lovely vistas but dislikes long and strenuous hiking days.
Pen Y Fan, an 886m-high peak in the Brecon Beacons, is situated there. The highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons lacks any dangerous ridges, sheer edges, or other scary features. It will take less than half a day to traverse this pretty wide path.
Being prepared when mountaineering
If you regularly engage in mountain climbing or hillwalking as a hobby or as a job, you might be interested in financial protection for your peace of mind. Summit Financial Services is one insurance provider that specialises in mountaineering insurance. Summit Financial Services offer life insurance, critical illness insurance, and income protection at the best prices with their assistance. To keep updated on all things mountaineering, they collaborate closely with Mountaineering Scotland and the BMC. Having the appropriate financial protection is crucial because it ensures that you, your loved ones, and your house are safeguarded in case something goes wrong.
