Mynydd Mawr

About Mynydd Mawr

Rising above Llyn Cwellyn, Mynydd Mawr is the Moel Hebog group's northern outpost in Snowdonia. It’s famously known as 'The Elephant' due to its profile, though searching for a trunk after the steep ascent from Rhyd Ddu is likely just a sign of mild altitude-induced delirium.

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Did You Know?

• •The mountain's western slopes are home to remarkably well-preserved remains of ancient field systems and settlements. It’s essentially a high-altitude open-air museum where the prehistoric inhabitants clearly valued a good view over convenient access to a local shop.
• •On a rare day when the Welsh mist decides to take a holiday, you can see all the way across the Irish Sea to the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. It is one of the few places where you can technically see another country while pretending you aren't shivering.
• •While the summit stands at a respectable 697 metres, it is officially classified as both a Hewitt and a Marilyn. This makes it a high-status destination for peak-baggers who enjoy ticking boxes as much as they enjoy the actual scenery.
• •The northern face of the mountain is characterized by the dramatic and imposing crags of Craig y Bera. These cliffs provide some of the most spectacular, albeit terrifying, rock scenery in the region for those brave enough to peer over the edge.
• •Locally dubbed 'Yr Eliffant,' the mountain supposedly resembles a reclining elephant when viewed from the north. If you find yourself squinting and still can’t see the mammal, you’ve probably reached that stage of the hike where your brain is prioritizing oxygen over abstract art.