Wales
Foel Cynwch
326M
1070FT
About Foel Cynwch
Rising on the southern fringe of the Arenigs, this modest Tump offers rewards far exceeding its height. While often overlooked for the higher peaks nearby, its rocky crest provides a grandstand view across to Cader Idris. The hill is most famous for the Precipice Walk, which contours its steep western slopes above Llyn Cynwch.
Key Statistics
Rank
859th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
107m
Nearest Town
Llanfachreth
Geology
This hill is built from ancient layers of seafloor silt and sand, reinforced by pockets of molten rock that cooled and hardened deep underground.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH736211
Latitude
52.7727°N
Longitude
3.8751°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Welsh, with 'Foel' meaning a bald or rounded hill and 'Cynwch' being a personal name, likely an early landowner associated with the surrounding territory.
- •It is the centerpiece of the historic Precipice Walk (Llwybr y Preseb), a Victorian-era circuit originally created for the guests of the Nannau Estate that contours the hill's steep western flank.
- •The summit offers an exceptional perspective of the Mawddach Estuary as it opens toward Barmouth, with the rugged ridge of Cader Idris forming a massive wall to the south.
- •The hill is part of the Nannau Estate, historically the home of the Vaughan family; the estate grounds are notable for their ancient oaks and high-altitude parkland.
- •The 'Precipice Walk' title might sound daunting, but the path is generally broad enough that the greatest hazard is usually a sheep refusing to yield the right of way.