Wales
Moel Wnion
580M
1903FT
About Moel Wnion
Moel Wnion acts as the Carneddau’s northern sentry, offering sweeping views over the Menai Strait without the soul-crushing ascent of its inland siblings. It is the perfect spot for hikers who enjoy maritime vistas and the company of sheep who clearly know more about navigation than you do.
Key Statistics
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH649697
Latitude
53.2071°N
Longitude
4.0243°W
Did You Know?
- •It marks the most northerly point of the Carneddau range, acting as a dramatic balcony overlooking the Irish Sea and the distant peaks of the Isle of Man on clear days.
- •The hill is rich in history, with the slopes featuring a variety of Bronze Age cairns and ancient enclosures that suggest it was prime real estate long before hiking boots existed.
- •While the name Moel Wnion is often translated to 'Onion Hill,' don't bother bringing a knife and fork; the only thing pungent here is the smell of damp wool.
- •Its proximity to the massive Penrhyn Quarry offers a unique perspective on the landscape-altering power of the Welsh slate industry, which is laid out like a giant grey map below.
- •The final stretch of the path often turns into a 'choose your own adventure' through a boggy mire, where the prize for a wrong turn is a boot full of peat-scented water.