Wales
Arenig Fawr
854M
2802FT
About Arenig Fawr
Rising above the heather-clad moors of the Migneint, this volcanic giant offers a wild, uncrowded alternative to the busier peaks of Eryri. Its rocky ridges and deep-set cwm, cradling Llyn Arenig Fawr, provide a rugged Hewitt ascent culminating in a summit of exceptional isolation and far-reaching views across the heart of Wales.
Key Statistics
Rank
25th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
480m
Nearest Town
Llanycil
Geology
The ground beneath you consists of ancient, hardened volcanic ash. These layers were formed by explosive prehistoric eruptions that created the mountain’s rugged terrain.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH827369
Latitude
52.9167°N
Longitude
3.7460°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Arenig likely derives from the Welsh word 'rhyn', meaning a point or promontory, with the diminutive suffix '-ig' added to suggest a sharp or little ridge. 'Fawr' is Welsh for 'great' or 'large', distinguishing it from its smaller neighbour, Arenig Fach.
- •Near the summit stands a memorial plaque dedicated to the eight crew members of a US Flying Fortress B-17 which crashed on the slopes in 1943. For many years, large sections of the wreckage remained visible on the mountainside before being recovered.
- •The summit offers an exceptional 360-degree vantage point; on a clear day, you can identify the jagged profile of the Rhinogydd to the west, the massive bulk of the Arans to the south, and the full extent of the Snowdon Massif to the northwest.
- •The most common ascent passes the high-altitude reservoir of Llyn Arenig Fawr. This remote body of water was dammed in the 19th century to provide a steady water supply for the nearby town of Bala.
- •Despite standing as a prominent Marilyn and Hewitt, the lack of a gift shop or a summit train ensures that the only company you are likely to have is a few hardy sheep and the occasional red kite.