Wales
Maesglase
679M
2226FT
About Maesglase
The undisputed king of the Dyfi Hills, Maesglase offers textbook glacial valleys and a summit that has suffered a significant identity crisis over the years. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy dramatic waterfalls, literary landscapes, and the occasional unplanned mud bath in a peat-hag.
Key Statistics
Rank
95th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
317.8m
Nearest Town
Whaley Bridge
Geology
You are walking on the Ceiswyn Formation, which is composed of hardened mud and silt. These fine-grained rocks form the solid foundation of Maesglase.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH817150
Latitude
52.7197°N
Longitude
3.7529°W
Did You Know?
- •The mountain's eastern slopes boast a staggering 160-metre waterfall, making it one of the most dramatic drops in North Wales. It spills from a classic glacial hanging valley into the depths below.
- •History and literature meet here, as the fell serves as the central setting for the celebrated Welsh-language novel 'O! Tyn y Gorchudd!' by Angharad Price. It tells the story of generations of a family living on these very slopes.
- •A sturdy stone boundary marker from 1861 still stands guard near the 659-metre mark on the western ridge. It is inscribed with 'CCC' and serves as a silent witness to Victorian land disputes.
- •Hikers spent decades huffing up to Maen Du believing it was the highest point, only for modern lasers to reveal that Craig Rhiw-erch was actually five metres taller all along. It is a bit like finding out your shorter brother has been wearing platform shoes the whole time.
- •The terrain on top is dominated by vast expanses of peat-hags and bogs that are notoriously hungry for expensive hiking boots. You haven't truly experienced Maesglase until you’ve performed an involuntary gymnastic routine over a patch of particularly deceptive Sphagnum moss.