Wales
Arenig Fach
689M
2260FT
About Arenig Fach
Standing as the quieter northern neighbor to Arenig Fawr, this rugged Hewitt offers a wilder experience away from the crowds. Its heather-clad slopes rise steeply above the dark waters of Llyn Arenig Fach, leading to a sprawling summit plateau with expansive views across the remote Migneint moors towards the Moelwynion.
Key Statistics
Rank
84th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
297.6m
Nearest Town
Gwynedd
Geology
This rugged peak belongs to the Aran Fawddwy Formation, made of layers of compressed volcanic ash from ancient eruptions.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH820415
Latitude
52.9579°N
Longitude
3.7581°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Welsh 'Arennig', likely meaning 'stony place' or 'high ground', while 'Fach' (little) distinguishes it from its loftier neighbor, Arenig Fawr.
- •From the summit cairn, the view to the north captures the vast, desolate expanse of the Migneint, one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Wales and a vital habitat for upland birds.
- •The most direct approach follows a steep fence line from the A4212, which serves as a vital handrail through thick heather that can make navigation tricky in low cloud.
- •Unlike many Snowdonia peaks, the summit plateau is relatively flat and grassy, offering a stark contrast to the craggy, fractured rock found on the eastern escarpment overlooking the lake.
- •While technically the 'Little Arenig', the relentless drag of the deep heather on its lower slopes often makes it feel significantly larger than its 688-metre height suggests.