Llyn Peninsula

MINI MOUNTAIN DAY

1

SH353440 Cross the road near the information sign in the car park and walk up the grass for about 50m to reach another, rougher road. Head left to follow it uphill to Bwlch Yr Eifl. As the road begins to descend at Bwlch Yr Eifl, leave the main track where it splits and head left toward the buildings then follow the steps up to the tower. Pass around it on its left and there are some almost invisible steps that lead to the summit of Mynydd Gwaith via an awkward boulder field. A track also runs around the right-hand side of the tower fence but this leads to an awkward slab that will be pretty awful in the wet. It’s bad enough when it’s dry. You can have a little wander around the summit area and look out to sea, to try to spot Ireland in the distance.

2

SH360457

Return to Bwlch Yr Eifl and follow the obvious but steep track that climbs to Garn Ganol, immediately up the other side or the road, right where the electricity poles start. When you reach the boulder field, a vague track curves slightly leftward through the rocks then turns back right to access the summit area where an unusual number 4 is attached to the trig point and a few stone shelters offer an opportunity for lunch.

3

SH364447 There are a few tracks scattered around the summit area. Aim east, down towards the obvious fort on Tre’r Ceiri and take the left fork at the split.

The track is rough, with boulders and some awkward steps. The adults might find it harder than the children. After crossing through a gate, cross the short boggy section, keeping left at the split to enter the fort

via the gap in the rampart. Have a good wander around and explore the site, without moving or knocking over any of the remains! The fort was inhabited from before the Roman invasion of Britain and many historical artefacts have been found there. You can sit and have lunch inside the remains of the houses, just take care not to disturb anything. It’s also worth having a look at just how massive the walls are! There’s not many places you can visit and experience real history so freely. Try to imagine the battles that might have been fought on the slopes below and the people who used to live here.

4

SH373446 Exit the fort via the south-west doorway and continue to descend gently in the same direction, crossing through a gate and around the lower slopes of Garn Ganol to pick up the wide track back to the car park. There are lots of little tracks crisscrossing through the heather. If you miss one, you’ll end up on another, though the ground can be quite rough when off the main tracks. So long as you’re following a gradually rightward curve, you’ll get back to the car park.