Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn up Aran Fawddwy: route map, distance and time
906 m · Snowdonia
Aran Fawddwy is the highest point of the Aran ridge in southern Snowdonia, a rocky summit above the lake of Creiglyn Dyfi.
A long ridge walk over Aran Benllyn to Aran Fawddwy.
Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn at a glance
| Distance | 15.7 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 866 m |
| Time up | 4h 35m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 7h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Llanuwchllyn |
| Start grid reference | SH 845 293 |
| Summit grid reference | SH 862 223 |
Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 3h 45m | 6h 25m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 4h 35m | 7h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 5h 40m | 9h 35m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:46, sunset 18:13. Start by 09:28 to be down before dark, allowing 7h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:11. Start by 09:26 to be down before dark, allowing 7h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Aran Fawddwy summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 42 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:46, sunset 18:13.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 39 mph gusting 49 mph, 98% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:11.
Best day of the next seven for Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 42 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Aran Fawddwy forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Aran Fawddwy?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Snowdonia forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 42 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Aran Fawddwy
Aran Fawddwy is the highest point of the Aran ridge in southern Snowdonia, a rocky summit above the lake of Creiglyn Dyfi. More about Aran Fawddwy, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Erw y Ddafad-ddu (872 m), 1 km north
- fynydd (689 m), 1.5 km east
- Aran Benllyn (885 m), 1.9 km north
- Gwaun y Llwyni (686 m), 2 km south
- Gwaun Lydan (632 m), 2.1 km south-east
- Waun Camddwr (622 m), 2.4 km south-west
Challenges that include Aran Fawddwy
Other routes up Aran Fawddwy
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Llanuwchllyn and Aran north ridge | 8.2 km one way | 810 m | 3h 0m | Hard |
| Cwm Cywarch via Gwaun y Llwyni | 6.7 km one way | 840 m | 2h 45m | Hard |
| Cwm Cywarch via Bwlch y Main and Waun Camddwr | 5.8 km one way | 780 m | 2h 30m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SH 845 293, the summit at SH 862 223), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn: questions and answers
How far is Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn?
Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn is 15.7 km one way to the summit of Aran Fawddwy, with 866 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 31.4 km.
How long does Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn take?
About 4h 35m to the summit of Aran Fawddwy and 7h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 9h 35m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn?
Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn starts from Llanuwchllyn. The grid reference is SH 845 293.
Is Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn today?
By 09:28 at the latest. Sunset on Aran Fawddwy today is 18:13, Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn takes about 7h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Llanuwchllyn via Aran Benllyn?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).