Wales
Moelwyn Bach
712M
2336FT
About Moelwyn Bach
Moelwyn Bach is the smaller, arguably more charismatic sibling of the Moelwynion duo. It offers dramatic views of the Ffestiniog slate landscapes and a delightfully airy scramble across Craigysgafn. It’s definitive proof that being ‘little’ in mountain terms just means you have slightly less distance to fall.
Key Statistics
Rank
69th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
127m
Nearest Town
Maentwrog
Geology
You are walking across layers of hardened mud and ancient volcanic ash. These durable rocks form the rugged foundation of Moelwyn Bach.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH660437
Latitude
52.9739°N
Longitude
3.9970°W
Did You Know?
- •The mountain is composed primarily of volcanic rhyolite and slate, serving as a silent witness to the industrial explosion of the nearby Ffestiniog quarries.
- •It is linked to its parent peak, Moelwyn Mawr, by the narrow Craigysgafn ridge, a traverse that offers a 'big mountain' feel without requiring a professional climbing contract.
- •The summit provides a bird's-eye view of the Llyn Stwlan reservoir, a 1960s engineering marvel that looks remarkably like a futuristic film set from this altitude.
- •Despite being named the 'Little Bare Hill', the terrain is predominantly a mix of dark grey slate and vibrant green grass, making the name a bit of a chromatic mystery.
- •Attempting to descend towards the town in a heavy mist usually leads to a confusing tour of abandoned slate spoil heaps; it’s less of a hike and more of an accidental geological survey.