Foel Ddu

Rising above the northern shores of Llyn Tegid, this lower outlier of the Aran ridge offers a quieter perspective than its loftier neighbours. The terrain is typically Welsh upland—a mix of rough grass and peat—serving as a stepping stone for walkers approaching the high peaks from the village of Llanuwchllyn.

• •The name is Welsh, where 'Foel' signifies a rounded, bald hill and 'Ddu' means black or dark, likely referring to the heather-clad slopes or the dark peaty soil found along the ridge.
• •Positioned on the northern tail of the range, the summit offers a framed view of Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales, set against the backdrop of the Arenig hills to the northwest.
• •It is a common waypoint for the long ascent from the north towards the higher summits of Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy, providing a steady introduction to the rugged terrain of the range.
• •Despite its modest height compared to the nearby 800-metre giants, it offers a clear sightline across the Dee valley toward the distant Clwydian Range on exceptionally clear days.
• •While the name promises a 'black' hill, the experience is often more of a deep, squelchy brown, particularly if you stray even slightly from the main ridge path after rain.