Climbing Diffwys from the south :: Geo-Trips :: Geograph Britain and Ireland

Geo-Trips :: Climbing Diffwys from the south

Diffwys

A walk from Bontddu, Fri, 26 Sep 2008 by Nigel Brown

Diffwys is the most southerly major summit of the Rhinogydd, a mountainous area of Cambrian rock, some of the oldest in Britain. Further north the rough heather-clad rocky terrain offers some of the toughest going in Britain. Diffwys, however, if approached from the south, is an altogether easier proposition, and offers good walking along with superb views.

A very narrow lane heads north from Bontddu, eventually ending at Banc y Frân, where a small car-park offers relief from the previously very limited options. Head north up an obvious pack-horse track, ignoring a similar one which branches west to Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. For a bit the track passes between stone walls, that on the east side being derelict. Good views abound, notably down into Hengwm, and ahead to the steep-sided Diffwys ridge, with the summit at the east end.

Soon the track takes to fields, and the track itself shows damage from motorbike and trailbike use. At the foot of the steep Braich ridge, the track heads off north west, while a steady climb will take you directly up the ridge. Once on top, views to the north open up, and you are now faced with some easy ridge walking heading east to Diffwys; use a ladder style to cross the wall cum fence which follows the ridge, to avoid problems the other end, where a short steep climb will take you close to the summit. Use another ladder stile to cross another wall and gain the summit trig point, sandwiched between wall and the precipice which forms the east face of the mountain.

Enjoy the views. On the way back you will be treated to superb views of Cadair Idris, which dominates the skyline to the south.

Click the blue circles to see a photograph taken from that spot and read further information about the location. The blue lines indicate the direction of view. There is also a slideshow of this trip. ( Auto-sync scrolling and map dragging )

↓ Scroll down here ↓

Fields near Caer Goronwy
With Diffwys as the backdrop.