High Peaks of Southern Snowdonia

Introduction - High Peaks of Southern Snowdonia was a residential walking event by Bryn Walking, based in Barmouth with accommodation at Goronwy Cottage with sea views and plenty of comfortable accommodation. The event was planned and managed by Helen Menhinich and I acted as her assistant.

CDay 1 - The Afon Ysgethin Valley and Pont Scethin
North of Barmouth towards Harlech, the land rises steeply from the sea towards the Rhinog mountain range. The area is of historically of interest with Romano-British, Medieval and post-Medieval. Specific sites of interest on this 10km walk included Craig y Dinas iron age hill fort, the 12th century Pont Scethin across the Afon Ysgethin, which is on the old trading route linking Bont-ddu and Harlech.​

Day 2 - Rhinog Fach (712m)
From Maes-y-garnedd where a friendly farmer talked to us about local history we headed north easterly to the cairn at Bwlch Drws-Arduwy where we rested for our morning break. Then, turning southwards we climbed quite steeply to the 500m contour before the climb became easier to the summit cairn where we enjoyed lunch in good weather but sheltered from the wind by the old wall.
After lunch, the descent to Llyn Hywel required some care and we rested by the lake where I'd once camped before continuing on to Llyn Perfeddau. Continuing westwards through the old mining area and long abandoned buildings we reached the valley road at Cil-cychwyn. Helen very kindly jogged the 2km back to Maes-y-garnedd and returned to pick us up to drive back in to Barmouth.

Day 3 - Cader Idris (893m)
The plan had been to ascend the Foxes Path to the summit and descend the Pony Path but heavy and persistent rain put an end to this plan! Reaching Llyn Gafr for our morning break and being aware of very strong summit winds, Helen made the decision to abort the summit plan which I fully agreed with. After contouring westwards we reached the Pont Path and soon after stopped for lunch. After reaching the car park we stopped for an hour in Dolgellau before returning to Barmouth.

Final thoughts: an enjoyable few days for me so thanks to Helen for allowing me to assist. The five participants were a pleasure to work with and we enjoyed a final dinner together at a restaurant just north of Barmouth.
For anyone interested in joining a similar event, please contact Helen at Bryn Walking.