Wales
Arenig Fawr South Top
837M
2746FT
About Arenig Fawr South Top
Rising from the rugged southern ridge of its parent peak, this high Nuttall offers a wilder, quieter perspective of the Arenig range. The terrain is characteristically rough, with heather and rock underfoot. It commands a starkly beautiful view south across the remote Afon Lliw valley towards the craggy silhouette of Rhobell Fawr.
Key Statistics
Rank
28th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
25m
Nearest Town
Gwynedd
Geology
You are walking on layers of ancient volcanic ash and hardened molten rock that pushed through prehistoric silt and mud.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH826366
Latitude
52.9140°N
Longitude
3.7474°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Arenig likely stems from the Welsh 'aren', meaning kidney, perhaps describing the shape of the hills when seen from a distance. This 'South Top' is simply the secondary high point of the main massif.
- •As a Nuttall, the South Top is defined by a 15-metre drop between it and the main summit, making it a necessary detour for those intent on ticking off every Welsh peak over 2,000 feet.
- •The area is somberly marked by aviation history; near the ridge leading to the main summit is a memorial plaque for the eight crew members of a US B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed here in 1943.
- •Looking south-west from the summit, you are rewarded with a clear sight of the rugged Rhinogydd range and the distinctive double-peaked silhouette of Cadair Idris on the southern horizon.
- •It serves as an excellent test of a walker's dedication, as most people standing here are either meticulously checking their altimeter or wondering why they didn't just stop at the main trig point ten minutes ago.