Wales
Esgair y Maen
519M
1703FT
About Esgair y Maen
Rising within the quiet northern reaches of the Pumlumon massif, this 519m ridge offers a sense of isolation rare even in Mid-Wales. Expect a pathless, often boggy ascent over tussocky grass. On clear days, the view stretches across the lonely waters of Glaslyn towards the rugged peaks of the Arans and Cadair Idris.
Key Statistics
Rank
104th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Central Wales
Prominence
?
22m
Nearest Town
Powys
Geology
You are walking across ancient layers of hardened mud and sand. These stacked beds of mudstone and sandstone form the rugged foundation of this fell.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SN814853
Latitude
52.4527°N
Longitude
3.7467°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Welsh 'Esgair', meaning a long ridge or limb, and 'Maen', meaning stone. It likely refers to a prominent rock or ancient boundary marker situated along this sweeping shoulder of the Pumlumon range.
- •The hill overlooks Bugeilyn, a remote upland lake in the 'Green Desert of Wales' that was historically famous among Victorian anglers for its unique population of dark-coloured trout.
- •From the summit, walkers can trace the headwaters of the River Dulas as it begins its descent through the lonely moorland towards the market town of Machynlleth.
- •In this part of the Cambrian Mountains, a 'path' is often just a suggestion made by sheep; assuming their destination matches yours is a frequent mistake for the unwary navigator.