The best destinations are often the ones that hide in the shadows of noisy neighbours…
Rhobell Fawr and Dduallt
An alternative to: Snowdonia’s beasts
In Snowdonia there are only 15 summits over 3000ft but more than 90 over 2000ft. That is more than enough to go around, even in this busy part of Wales. Some are more popular than others (Snowdon, Cadair Idris), but finding a big hill without the big crowds is never too much of a problem. Two overlooked summits are the adjacent Rhobell Fawr (734m) and Dduallt (657m) in the central/southern part of Snowdonia, to the east of Coed y Brenin Forest Park. Loitering 44th and 70th in the Snowdonia height ranking (in footballing terms that’s Iran and Latvia), is never going to attract too much attention, but these are two handsome hills. Rhobell Fawr is accessible from the village of Llanfachreth and over a long day, can be combined with neighbouring Ddualt, although don’t expect the going to be particularly easy: heather and bogs can frustrate the keenest hillwalkers. The visual rewards, however, are unsurpassable. There are few paths, so be prepared.
Hubs: Dolgellau, Llanelltyd
Tourist information: Dolgellau, 01341 422888
Map: Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer
sheet OL23 (Cadair Idris & Bala Lake/
Llyn Tegid)
Image by John Gillham
