Peaks:⛰️ Moel Siabod (872 m)⛰️ Y Ro Wen (599 m)⛰️ Craigysgafn (690 m)⛰️ Moelwyn Mawr (770 m)⛰️ Cnicht (689 m)⛰️ Cnicht North Top (688 m)⛰️ Ysgafell Wen North Top (669 m)⛰️ Ysgafell Wen Far North Top (659 m)
Leg 2 of my Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) route was a challenging yet rewarding night-time adventure through some of Snowdonia's most rugged and remote peaks. As the day transitioned into evening, I left Capel Curig under clear skies, but as I ascended Moel Siabod (872 m), the wind began to pick up, signalling the onset of tougher conditions.By the time I reached the upper slopes of Moel Siabod, night had fully set in, and the cloud cover thickened, surrounding me in mist. The climb was taxing, but the real challenge came with the steep, technical, and rocky descent to Llyn y Foel. Navigating this in the dark with just my headtorch was both terrifying and exhilarating, requiring full concentration and steady nerves.The route continued through the eerie and haunting Maenofferen Slate Quarry near Blaenau Ffestiniog. Shrouded in mist and darkness, the quarry felt like a ghost town, its abandoned buildings and equipment almost echoing with the sounds of miners from a bygone era. This atmosphere made the passage through the area an unforgettable and somewhat unsettling experience.Before reaching Moelwyn Mawr (770 m), I joined forces with two other participants: Tom, a young and enthusiastic guy, and Peter, an older but exceptionally strong climber. Their company was a welcome addition as the route became more demanding.The ascent of Cnicht (689 m) was a highlight, offering a fun and engaging climb. However, the joy was somewhat tempered by the gruelling bogs we had to slog through afterward. These bogs were relentless, sapping our energy and testing our resolve.Overall, this leg of the UTS was a significant test of endurance and mental fortitude, pushing me to my limits both physically and psychologically. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie, and the sense of achievement upon summiting these peaks made it an incredible and memorable Quality Mountain Day.
Area :
Moelwynion
The Moelwynion (a Welsh plural, sometimes anglicised to Moelwyns) are a group of mountains in central Snowdonia. They extend from the north-east of Porthmadog to Moel Siabod, the highest of the group. The name derives from the names of the two largest mountains in the group, Moelwyn Mawr (great white hill) and Moelwyn Bach (little white hill).
