The Berwyns

A hiking guide to the Berwyn mountains - Mid Wales



The Walks
The Berwyns lie outside the Snowdonia National Park by about 10km. The area comprises generally of high moorland and deep valleys with the summit of Cadair Berwyn being the highest and most distinctive summit. One of the valleys lays claim to Wales highest waterfall. This area is less well known than the rockier areas within Snowdonia and as such it is infrequently visited by the hiking club. As the place lies further inland, it receives less rain. The mean winter temperatures are also lower and therefore the place is quite likely to catch significant amounts of snow at some time during the winter.



The summit of Cadair Berwyn lies at 827m. It is part of a 2km long north to south ridge with gentle slopes falling to the River Dee on the west side and a sharp drop above the Lochan of Llyn Lluncaws. To the south west and north east lies some vast undulating moorland that is completely desolate. Cadair Berwyn itself lies 7km from the coach drop off at Llangynog and the walk involves having to drop down into the valley of Afon Disgynfa before the final ascent. Because of this, the walk to the summit is made all the more demanding.

The vegetation on these moors is generally grass rather than heather and wire fences sprawled across the hillside somewhat make the place feel less charming. To the west of Llangynog lies more moorland. This is a very good place to go for wide vistas of the Snowdonia mountain ranges and is well worth visiting on a clear day. To the south of the village lies some lower but more distinct hills around 400 - 500m high.



The highest waterfall in Wales - Pistyll Rhaeadr is well worth visiting. It can be included as part of a visit to Cadair Berwyn or as a visit to itself. It is extremely impressive after heavy rain.



Eating and Drinking
Unlike many parts of Wales, this village keeps its two pubs open during the Sunday! There isn't very much else to say about the refreshments here except at least one of the pubs has an open fire to dry yourselves out with after a wet gruelling day in the moors!