Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws up Cadair Berwyn: route map, distance and time
832 m · Powys
Cadair Berwyn is the highest point of the Berwyn range in north-east Wales, climbed from the waterfall at Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws.
A valley path to Llyn Lluncaws, then up the ridge to Moel Sych and along to Cadair Berwyn.
Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws at a glance
| Distance | 3.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 503 m |
| Time up | 1h 35m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Tan-y-pistyll car park, Pistyll Rhaeadr |
| Start grid reference | SJ 072 295 |
| Summit grid reference | SJ 071 323 |
Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws 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
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 1h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 55m | 2h 55m |
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 07:45, sunset 18:12. Start by 14:52 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:46, sunset 18:09. Start by 14:49 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cadair Berwyn summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Cadair Berwyn right now. The main Cadair Berwyn page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Cadair Berwyn forecast.
About Cadair Berwyn
Cadair Berwyn is the highest point of the Berwyn range in north-east Wales, climbed from the waterfall at Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws. More about Cadair Berwyn, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Cadair Berwyn North Top (826 m), 0.4 km north
- Moel Sych (827 m), 0.7 km south-west
- Moel yr Ewig (695 m), 1.1 km south-east
- Tomle (741 m), 1.8 km north-east
- Godor North Top (675 m), 2.1 km south-east
- Cadair Bronwen (783 m), 2.4 km north
Challenges that include Cadair Berwyn
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SJ 072 295, the summit at SJ 071 323), 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.
Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws: questions and answers
How far is Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws?
Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws is 3.8 km one way to the summit of Cadair Berwyn, with 503 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 7.6 km.
How long does Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws take?
About 1h 35m to the summit of Cadair Berwyn and 2h 20m 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 2h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws?
Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws starts from Tan-y-pistyll car park, Pistyll Rhaeadr. The grid reference is SJ 072 295.
Is Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws 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 Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws today?
By 14:52 at the latest. Sunset on Cadair Berwyn today is 18:12, Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws takes about 2h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Pistyll Rhaeadr via Llyn Lluncaws?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).