Cnicht to Molwyn Mawr
Cnicht 115-645466 SH 689m 2260ft
Moelwyn Mawr 124-658449 SH 770m 2526ft
Moelwyn Bach 124-660437 SH 710m 2329ft
Craigysgafn 124-660443 SH 689m 2260ft
Moel-yr hydd (Optional) 115-672454 SH 648m 2126ft
Although the undisputed King of the Molwyn Mountains in Snowdonia is Moel Siabod, the most interesting region of these hills with some of the best walks in Wales, falls to the Western region of the range.
The Molwyns have suffered badly by the hands of man, they have been dug up, blown up and had their insides carved away with their innards thrown around the hillsides in the form of spoil tips. However their hearts remain intact and now the demand for slate has waned, nature is slowly recapturing some of its lost territory.
To the Industrial archaeologist the mountains are a treasure trove of nineteenth and twentieth century Welsh mining industry. The entire area is littered with the remnants of a gone by age. An age of wonder as well as great hardship for the poor souls employed working under extreme conditions. Huge slate spoils dominate the region around Blaenau Ffestiniog and under the mountains great caverns have been carved out of the solid rock, often by no other means then the sweat and toil of poor Welsh miners.
Most of the slate industry was based around the small grey town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. This small town is one of the few Welsh towns that does still enjoy a national rail link as well as a small mountain rail link with Porthmadog. The latter provided a means to transport for the slate used by the building industry to get to the coast. From Porthmadog it was transported by ship to its final destination. Much of the industry has now gone or been greatly reduced to small pockets around the edge of the town. However there are some great working museums in the town that can transport you back in time to get a glimpse of how it felt to work in these cold dark grey mines at the turn of the century.
The walk starts in the small pretty village of Croeser deep in the Croeser valley. This was the lower section of the Rhosydd quarries and was served for many years by the Croeser tramway. The tramway joined the Welsh Highland railway on the coastal plain of the Aber Glaslyn estuary; here the slate was loaded to be taken down to Porthmadoc on the old mountain railway. Although the lines on the tramway have long gone the bed is still intact and leads to the inclines at the head of the valley.
The Welsh Highland railway has however been raised from its ashes to be reborn. The track has now been re-laid and it is hoped that once again it will be possible to take the beautiful scenic journey through the pretty Aber Glaslyn Valley from Carnarvon to Porthmadoc.
To get to Croeser take the A4085 from Penrhyndeudraeth to Garreg. Just after passing through the village on the left hand side there is a stone gate house with a small lane by it, signposted for Croeser. Take this lane and follow it for a couple of miles to the village of Croeser. In the centre of the village there is a well maintained car park.
On route you will get some wonderful views of your intended conquests for the day, the bulk of Moelwyn Mawr on the right and the beautiful shapely Cnict on the left. This mountain was once dubbed the Welsh Matterhorn due to its perfect cone shape when viewed from the coastal plain. The name Cnict is Welsh for helmet and observed from this direction it actually looks that shape. However Cnict is not a perfect cone as it is the end of a ridge running off the bulk of the Molwyns.
On leaving the car park turn right and head West on the small lane past the school. After a short distance you will see a gate on your right. This will have a small arrow with Cnict on. Follow this track across the open country side north-eastwards towards Cnict. At an old ruin cross the ladder stile and follow the path to the base of Cnict.
On reaching the base follow the track up the right hand side of the hill. It is quite easy going and other then a few places were hands may be needed to steady yourself or give you an extra pull it shouldn’t provide you with any difficulty. The track will then transverse across the front of the hill to the left. Here it will be followed over some shallow slabs of rock until the summit it reached.
Here take a few moments to view the wonderful panoramic view of the Cambrian Coast, Moel Hebog, Nantile ridge, Snowdon, the Croeser valley and the Rhosydd Quarry.
The track then runs northeast along the ridge taking in another small peak along the way, after about a mile of steady descent the track leads to a cairn at the col with Llyn yr Adar. Follow the track south down to Blwlch y Rhosydd.
Here take time to explore the area, but do not enter any of the drift mines. The old mines are highly unstable and very dangerous. Following lunch use the incline from the old quarry and head south on to the col between Moelwyn Mawr and Moel-yr-hydd.
The track across this area runs close to the collapsed caverns of the old quarry so obey the signs to avoid the very unstable area.
At the far side of the col you find yourself overlooking the Vale of Ffestiniog.
If you feel energetic you can follow the path up to the summit of Moel-yr-hydd and then retrace your steps back to the view point.
Otherwise take the track to your right that goes around the back of Llyn Stwlan reservoir. This track is a delight to walk and offers some great views of the Vale as well as the reservoir. Also note the drift mines on the right that are now barred with gates to keep out sheep as well as people.
On the other side of the reservoir you will see a track rising steeply up the side of Moelwyn Bach on its northern flank. The track is steep and on very loose shale, it can therefore be unstable in the wet, so take care on the journey down.
Follow the track up as it veers right across to the summit. From the summit on a good day the views are spectacular.
Retrace your steps back down the path to the point where you left the path overlooking the reservoir. Here take the path directly in front and head north over Craigysgain. This is a delightful short scrabble that will lead you to the base of Moelwyn Mawr. Looking back at Moelwyn Bach you can see the huge overhang of white quartz that looks impressive when the light is at the right angle.
On reaching the base of continue up the grassy bulk of Moelwyn Mawr until the trig point is reached. This is quite a pull after the days walking but well worth the climb.
After enjoying the views head west down the ridge towards Croeser. The ridge is a heading east towards the coastal plain is a wonderful descent on a clear day, offering some great views and plenty of time for reflection on the days walk. On reaching the base head right along the lane back to the car park.
Remember this walk does cover some very dangerous terrain due to the quarrying in the area. In poor weather conditions and wet weather stay well clear of any of the old workings. THEY ARE NOT AN ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND. They should be respected for what they are, an archaeological industrial heritage.
Stay Safe on the Mountains for more advice click the walking man below
