Hill: Moel-ddu
Date: Friday 25th April 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 6.7km, Ascent: 555m
Time: 2Hrs 25Mins


I set out today to undertake a circuit of Moel-ddu and Moel Hebog from Llyn Cwmystradllyn. However, I ended up limiting the walk to an ascent of Moel-ddu only due to cramping calf muscles during the ascent. Having walked seven consecutive days in mostly sunny weather my body was possibly dehydrated/lacking salts.

I parked at the end of the road next to the Llyn Cwmystradllyn sign where there is room for several cars.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

Start of walk at Llyn Cwmystradllyn:


Looking towards West top of Moel-ddu from Llyn Cwmystradllyn:


Moel Hebog across Llyn Cwmystradllyn:


After skirting round the dam I started my ascent of Ynes-wen. I followed a very faint, intermittent track up this hill.

Ascending Ynes-wen:


Looking back to Llyn Cwmystradllyn from Ynes-wen:


From the 348m top of Ynes-wen I followed a more distinct grassy track leading onto a landrover track.

At the 348m top of Ynes-wen:


Following track from 348m top of Ynes-wen towards Moel-ddu:


At the end of the track I passed through a gate and followed a faint track up the hill.

Moel-ddu:


Ascending West top of Moel-ddu:


En-route to the West top summit I aimed for a gate to avoid having to climb over the wall.

Looking towards Moel-ddu from gate:


Moel-ddu from West top:


After visiting the West top I descended circa 40m to the col before making my way across to the twin-topped Moel-ddu.

Looking towards summit of Moel-ddu:


I initially visited the South top before making my way over to the summit.

Twin tops of Moel-ddu (South top looking towards summit):


Heading for the summit of Moel-ddu:


Summit of Moel-ddu:


Looking towards South top from summit:


From the summit, I returned via the same route until reaching the landrover track. In descent, I followed the landrover track down towards the farm.

Track followed in descent:


A short distance before the farm, I left the landrover track to follow a public footpath back to the start.

Public footpath back to Llyn Cwmystradllyn:


Grass track below Llyn Cwmystradllyn dam:


This ends a really enjoyable trip to Snowdonia in close to perfect weather .