Foel Rhudd

Tucked away in the Arans, this rounded, quiet shoulder offers a solitary alternative to the busier main ridge. Rising to 659m, its peaty slopes provide an exceptional perspective on the soaring eastern crags of Aran Fawddwy and the remote, rolling expanse of the Berwyns to the east.

• •The name is Welsh, with 'foel' meaning a bare hill and 'rhudd' translating as crimson or ruddy. This is a common topographical description for Welsh hills where the soil or seasonal vegetation, particularly bracken, creates a distinct reddish tint on the slopes.
• •From the summit, the view west is dominated by the massive bulk of Aran Fawddwy, providing a clear sight of its impressive glacial cwms that are often lost when standing on the higher peak itself.
• •It is most frequently visited as part of a long, often boggy circuit from Llanymawddwy, usually combined with the neighbouring Nuttall of Esgeiriau Gwynion to round out a day in the quieter corners of the range.
• •While the name suggests a vibrant red, the most reliable colour you'll encounter is the deep, unforgiving black of the peat hags that guard the approach from the south.