Cnicht from the north east.

Cnicht

Directions:- Start from Bwelchgernog (off the A4085) and follow the footpath up the south ridge to the top of Cnicht

Plas-y-Nant comment:- Not a real mountain – more a bump on the end of a ridge. Superb views from the top. Cnicht means “knight” - as the mountain looks like a knight's helmet.

Cnicht is often linked with a ridge walk along Moel-yr-hydd, Moelwyn Mawr, Craigysgafn and Moelwyn Bach (see below

Moelwyn Mawr from Moelwyn Bach

Moel-yr-hydd / Moelwyn Mawr / Craigysgafn / Moelwyn Bach

Directions:- Start from Croesor, a little village, miles from anywhere, accessible only by narrow gated lanes.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- Moel-yr-hydd, Moelwyn Mawr, Craigysgafn and Moelwyn Bach are often combined into a small horseshoe with Cnicht - although you have the option to descend through the disused quarry.

Moel Drumman

Allt Fawr / Moel Druman / Ysgafell Wen

Directions:- From the top of Bwlch Y Gorddinan (the Crimea Pass – on the A470 Betws-Y-Coed to Blaenau Festiniog road) follow the track up the slope to the summit of Allt Fawr, then follow the seriously unattractive electric fence over the summit of Moel Druman and on to Ysgafell Wen. Follow any of the streams to the bottom of the Crimea Pass.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- Interesting walk as you overlook an operational slate quarry.

Moel Penamnen from Manod Mawr

Moel Penamnen and Manod Mawr

Directions:- From the top of Bwlch Y Gorddinan (the Crimea Pass – on the A470 Betws-Y-Coed to Blaenau Festiniog road) follow the track up the slope to the summit of Moel Penamnen. The track fades and you need to navigate carefully across a fairly featureless and bleak moor. The summit is not obvious – a good navigation exercise

Head east to the edge of the forest over a kilometer away to start the walk across to Manod Mawr with a clear view down into the working quarry to your right.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- Interesting walk as you have to apply good navigation skills, and have the added interest of overlooking an operational slate quarry.

Moel Siabod and Lliwedd

Moel Siabod West Flank

Directions:- Starting a Plas y Brenin to the west of Capel Curig and follow the path up through the forest. Continue directly up the path and straight to the OS trig point at the summit of Moel Siabod.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- A long hard walk without much relief until you reach the top – where the view makes it all worthwhile.

Moel Siabod north east ridge

Moel Siabod North Ridge

Directions:- Start at Pont Cyfyng, east of Capel Curig. Cross the river and follow the bridge then follow the lane on the right that goes up hill, across a cattle grid and on up a track that deteriorates to a the footpath. Head up the gully following the well worn path. Skirt to the right of the rocky section on your way to the summit.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- A much easier walk – rewarded by the great view.

You can add a good scramble by taking the more direct route to the summit across the rocky section !

Moel Siabod

Moel Siabod West Flank

Directions:- As for the Moel Siaod North Ridge - start at Pont Cyfyng, east of Capel Curig. Cross the river and follow the bridge then follow the lane on the right that goes up hill, across a cattle grid and on up a track that deteriorates to a the footpath.

At the second gate follow the track past a lake (to your left), through the abandoned slate quarry and past a lake on your right. Over a crest you will see a ridge in front of you. Make for the base of the ridge, ignoring a track up the screed slope. Cross the crest of the ridge and follow the ridge line up to the summit, keeping the crest on your right.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- A moderate walk with some variety – again the great view from the summit.