Monday 27th March 2023
As part of what’s becoming an annual spring trip to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this would be the first walk in my latest week up in North Wales.
It started in the village of Croesor, where a small car park can be found without charges. These days, with Cnicht becoming one of Snowdonia’s more popular mountains, I imagine this car park fills up fast on a weekend. Even on this Monday morning, there were only a couple of available spaces upon my arrival. You’ll find no other parking options within this small village.
Heading north-west up the road, I turned right along a track an through a wooden gate, beside a sign that points the way towards Cnicht.
You can see the desired mountain in the photo above. Often dubbed ‘the Welsh Matterhorn’ for its distinct prominence and shape.
Looking back towards Porthmadog, on such a sunny day in March. Spring was on the way.
Waymarking arrows were frequent enough, although there’s mostly only one worn path to follow. All of which makes Cnicht a more easily accessible mountain than some.
I was quickly gaining and height and, with such a dramatic view down in to Cwm Croesor, you do need to have a head that’s comfortable with heights.
At the foot of this final climb, the gradient suddenly increases. I can’t remember now but some minor scrambling might’ve been required. Perhaps my future YouTube video will remind me.
Looking north with a clear view towards Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). I could just about pick out a shape on the top – if not the trig point, it could’ve been a gathering of triumphant people.
My view from the top, with a couple of other walkers sat behind me. At 689m above sea level, it reads as a low-lying mountain but from here here, it feels very distinct.
Looking back down the way I’d come up. Some must venture back this way and on to the car park to complete their day. I was far from finished; stopping on the top for a short break before marching on to my next challenge.
Moelwyn Mawr was my next target and I’ll write about that in my next post.
Link to the route I’m following on OS Maps
Thanks for reading.
Walks With Olly 