Wales
Cyfrwy
812M
2663FT
About Cyfrwy
Often overshadowed by its neighbour Penygadair, this prominent shoulder of the Cadair Idris massif offers one of the finest views down to the dark waters of Llyn y Gadair. Its narrow, rocky profile is defined by the famous Cyfrwy Arete, providing a rugged Nuttall ascent for those who prefer hands-on scrambling.
Key Statistics
Rank
39th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
31.8m
Nearest Town
Dolgellau
Geology
You are walking on microgranite, a tough rock formed from molten magma that cooled and hardened deep beneath the surface.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH703133
Latitude
52.7018°N
Longitude
3.9209°W
Did You Know?
- •The name translates from Welsh as 'Saddle', a reference to the distinctive dip in the ridge line sitting between this summit and the higher ground of Penygadair.
- •It is home to the Cyfrwy Arete, one of the most celebrated classic scrambles in Wales. First climbed in 1888 by O.G. Jones, the route offers a direct, vertical line from the screes above Llyn y Gadair straight to the summit plateau.
- •From the summit cairn, the view north is dominated by the winding Mawddach Estuary as it meets the sea at Barmouth, framed by the rugged, heathery silhouettes of the Rhinogydd range.
- •Standing at 811 metres, it is significantly higher than any ground in the neighbouring Cambrian Mountains to the south, making it a key objective for those collecting the Welsh Hewitts.
- •Despite the name translating to 'Saddle', the terrain is far better suited to Vibram soles than stirrups; the northern face drops away in a series of shattered crags that demand respect.