Marchlyn around the Western Glyderau

[johnkaysleftleg]

Following a great afternoon on Tryfan and a consultation with the weather forecast we decided to make the most of the conditions while they lasted and have a crack at Eildir Fwar, the last of the 3,000ft Glyderau we had yet to bag. With rain set to return with a vengeance on the Friday this would be the last walking day but the forecast suggested it would be a good un so we made our way to the road up to the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir and found a suitable place beside the road to park. My research had suggested this was a good place to climb Eilder Fwar from given that apart from the reservoir and associated paraphernalia mans efforts to defile this proud mountain were out of sight.

It was quite overcast when we set off but things quickly brightened as we gained height at a steady rate up the amenable hill side. The going was good and before we knew it we had reached the flat top of Eildir Fach which provided some very fine views and also a clear look at the assortment of tracks heading off up the screes of Eildir Fach.

Heading off up the Road by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back towards Bethesda by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Towards Anglesey by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Approaching the Summit of Eildir Fach by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Llyn Padam from Eildir Fach by Anthony Young, on Flickr

We had a short break to take in the views before picking a path and heading up the screes. The ascent was far better than it looked and we were soon on the ridge with views to Tryfan and the other Glyderau. Eildir Fwar's summit ridge has the feel of a real mountain and it's summit a worthy top for a 3,000 footer. Following a photo stop we continued on a short while before finding a suitable place for lunch. As we ate I made up my mind to head up Foel-Goch but as Grace and Nicola didn't fancy the extra effort I headed off alone with a meeting stop agreed for the shelter on Mynydd Perfedd.

Sleeping Stegosaurus comes into view by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Eildir Fwar Summit Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Grace,Hughie and the 3,000ft mascot, Tad the Dog by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Heading along the Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

It was nice and easy going around Bwlch y Marchlyn and Bwlch y Brecan before a steep and at times lose pull saw me reach the summit of Foel-goch. Any regrets I may have had while puffing up to the top were gone immediately when greeted with the sunning summit view. The prospect up the Ogwen Valley with Tryfan dominating is one of my favorites I've been witness to.

Foel-goch by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Machlyn Mawr Reservoir by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back to Eildir Fwar by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On the way to Foel-goch by Anthony Young, on Flickr

...and again back to Eildir Fwar by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Mynydd Perfedd from the ascent of Foel-goch by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking up the Ogwen Valley from Foel-goch by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Tryfan mono by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Foel-goch Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Unfortunately I couldn't linger long so I headed off back down to meet up with Nicola, Grace and Hughie on Mynydd Perfedd. This time the ascent wasn't as steep so less tiring but by the time I met up with the family again the weather was undergoing a change with low cloud encroaching upon the scene. The views slowly disappeared into the cloud ensuring our last top of the day, Carnedd y Filiast was viewless. We couldn't complain too much given every top we had visited while walking on the holiday had been clear with fine views in all directions.
As it turned out the clag was already clearing by the time we were on the way back to the reservoir and the road to the car.

On the way up Mynydd Perfedd by Anthony Young, on Flickr

A change in conditions over Eildir Fwar by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Views getting hazy by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Clag coming down by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Still sunny on Foel-goch by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Carnedd y Filiast Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Clag gone and on the way down by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back to Carnedd y Filiast by Anthony Young, on Flickr

As predicted the rain turned up with a vengeance on Friday leaving us to do touristy stuff in Betws-y-Coed on the last day before the drive back north on the Sunday. Another good week spent in Snowdonia giving us plenty of reasons to return again in the future.

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[trailmasher]

It seems like your latest skirmish into Wales was well worth the effort with a walk amongst some great hills that are reflected in your photos of this day out. Good report and great pics as usual

[johnkaysleftleg]

It seems like your latest skirmish into Wales was well worth the effort with a walk amongst some great hills that are reflected in your photos of this day out. Good report and great pics as usual

Cheers TM, you think you might make your way sample more of Snowdonia's charms in 2018?

[davekermito]

Super photos as ever!

Spent a lovely week at Ty Mawr, the cottage almost at the top of the road to the Marchlyn reservoirs. Absolutely amazed that this route isn't more popular! Happy memories as it was my son's first Welsh 3000 route - he ran to the top of Elidir Fawr as a (just turned) 5 year old! Me and his granddad had to watch in awe!

[trailmasher]

Cheers TM, you think you might make your way sample more of Snowdonia's charms in 2018?

I hope to get a skirmish or two into Wales this year. E not keen on Wales so a good excuse to have some 'man time' when I'm allowed

[malky_c]

Did a similar round a couple of weeks later. I've tended to dismiss this end of the Glyderau ridge, but it's only uninteresting in comparison to Tryfan and the Glyderau themselves. With a bit of sunshine and visibility, I'd forgotten how good the views were across the Nant Ffrancon and Llyn Ogwen .

Glad you liked Snowdonia. I grew up on Anglesey so am always biased towards it over the Lakes .

[johnkaysleftleg]

Super photos as ever!

Spent a lovely week at Ty Mawr, the cottage almost at the top of the road to the Marchlyn reservoirs. Absolutely amazed that this route isn't more popular! Happy memories as it was my son's first Welsh 3000 route - he ran to the top of Elidir Fawr as a (just turned) 5 year old! Me and his granddad had to watch in awe!

Cheers Dave, that sounds a great place to stay. Always great to see little'uns on the hills

Cheers TM, you think you might make your way sample more of Snowdonia's charms in 2018?

I hope to get a skirmish or two into Wales this year. E not keen on Wales so a good excuse to have some 'man time' when I'm allowed

We've always enjoyed everything about Wales, what's not to like? I look forward to your reports of your cross border raids.

Did a similar round a couple of weeks later. I've tended to dismiss this end of the Glyderau ridge, but it's only uninteresting in comparison to Tryfan and the Glyderau themselves. With a bit of sunshine and visibility, I'd forgotten how good the views were across the Nant Ffrancon and Llyn Ogwen .

Glad you liked Snowdonia. I grew up on Anglesey so am always biased towards it over the Lakes .

I remember the report, it's our third visit to Snowdonia and we always leave wanting more. It's certainly better in many ways than the Lakes but Lakeland is my hill walking home, it'll always be vey special to me.