UKC

As a peak bagging exercise, the Cwm Maen Gwynedd Horseshoe is an extremely bankable endeavour, with no less than 9 2000ft summits visited en route. That, however, would be a rather reductive way to look upon this superb round, which is without doubt the finest walk in the Berwynion. There is a strong case to be had that multi-peak horseshoe rounds provide the most satisfying days out, and this one is a little known but top class example of the genre.

9.20 miles, 14.80 km, 646m ascent, 6 – 7 hours. Chirk

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In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I've always liked the Berwynion but I've found parking to be tricky, does the carpark still close and lock you in at 5 pm?

In reply to KP_3030:

I'm assuming that you mean the car park at Pistyll Rhaeadr. If so, then I would recommend the free parking area just before the falls to avoid any potential inconvenience.

This particular route begins in Cwm Maen Gwynedd and parking is very much at a premium!

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I did this route (in reverse) just before lockdown. I included a few other 2000’ hills off your route. Lots of pathless rough walking and a long day. Not many people visit Carneddi y Ci! I was on a quest to climb all the 2000ft hills In wales using an obscure and comprehensive list that had about 235 hills. 
I hope the off road bikes have stopped chewing up the top. Had a chat to the farmer who works your descent route and he had no problem with me going up that way. 

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

Thanks for the info! Yes I meant that one, I didn't look at your map closely enough. I usually park in Llandrillo for the Berwynion but it does mean you miss out on the horseshoes. I'll give it a go from the side.

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

So that's what it looks like! I did this in reverse a few years ago. A blue sky day when I left the house, but thick clag descended just as I got to the car park and only lifted when I got back, so spent the day wandering along in the mist and saw one other person all day. Must go back on a clear day.

Another day in the Berwyn got me thinking - are there any 2000ft+ hills in Wales that you can't see the sea from somewhere during the day? Radnor forest and Drygarn/Gorllwyn possibly? Not sure about the Black mountain hills, as I've only been there in mist as well!

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I've done parts of it and looked down at the Tomle ridge line which looks great.

I usually come in from the north for most of the Berwynion,  you see even less people!!!

Relatively short additions also can get you Moel Sych and Bronwen bagged.

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I did something over the main tops as a run (‘run’) few years ago and was impressed how little trodden it was.

In reply to Matt Podd:

I'd love to see that list of yours!

It's good to know that the farmer is friendly and open to folk crossing his land. The dearth of parking does, I suppose, mean that the area will never be overused and therefore, one would hope, remain free from conflict between landowners and walkers.

In reply to KP_3030:

I enjoy the approaches from Llandrillo too, but this route is excellent.

In reply to Deri Jones:

That's a good question! In my experience of North Wales there can't be many!

In reply to JamButty:

I've only approached them from the Llidiart y Parc once before and that was many years ago. I need to do it again soon to find the best way up and down Moel Fferna. There looks to be a decent circular walk from Glyndyfrdwy which I have me eye on.

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

Probably Rhos Fawr:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Rhos+Fawr/@52.253239,-3.253501,9.98z/da...

And maybe Moel Siabod actually because the 3000s block the view of the sea.

In reply to KP_3030:

The north and west coasts can be seen from Siabod. You've certainly got me scratching my head!

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

Ah OK, I've never been up there in nice weather. Pretty sure you can't see the coast from Rhos Fawr though, you've got a huge 500 m high plateau to the west that probably blocks the view down to the sea given how far east you are.

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I think I've got it. There's a summit on the ridge to the east of the black mountains that's 611m high and it's got another 600m high ridge just to the east. 51°59'14.6"N 3°02'57.5"W

There's a photo from it:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/51%C2%B059'14.6%22N+3%C2%B002'57.5%22W/...

In reply to Nicholas Livesey:

I’m in France at the moment, but I’ll message you with details when I’m home. It is a published booklet that I brought somewhere, by a Welsh publisher.