Guided Hikes in Southern Snowdonia

Guided Walking Holidays North Wales

Rivercatcher is perfect to explore Snowdonia and the Berwyn Mountains. For guests who don’t know the area it can be overwhelming and you may not know where to start! That’s why, for a unique experience, we’ve teamed up with qualified Mountain Leader Sharon Jones to offer guided walks across the Berwyn Mountains during selected dates this September and October.


Am I Suited For the Walks?

The walks are suitable for any age from 12 to 112.

You will need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the walks although we have some more challenging than others. Details of the walks are all listed below and please do ask if you have any questions. Well behaved dogs, on a lead, are welcome, as are young walkers over the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by their parents/guardians at all times. 



ABOUT YOUR RIVERCATCHER HIKING GUIDE

Walking Guide

Mountain Leader Sharon Jones

I am passionate about the mountains of North Wales and love showing my guests some of the hidden places that can be found not too far off the beaten track.

Born and brought up locally, I am able to offer you a unique insight into the language, culture and history of this special area. I am a qualified and experienced Mountain Leader, fully insured to lead guests in the mountains and hills, and I will help you to enjoy a safe and memorable day out in the mountains. I will carry a first aid kit and shelter for emergencies and maps and a compass.

So come with us and escape the crowds of Snowdon and come to explore this ancient, rugged landscape of woodlands, lakes, old Drover’s tracks and upland farms. Walk through geologically fascinating scenery, and enjoy the views from the summits of Cadair Bronwen and Berwyn or Arenig Fawr on full day walks or find out about the rich history of Y Bala and enjoy lake views on a shorter, easier day.

 

The Walks Programme

 

Monday evening

Our programme of walks begins on with a welcome briefing at 6pm in The Lodge at Rivercatcher. After introductions, I will describe the walks in more detail, give you an overview of the weather for the week and give you the chance to ask any questions about kit, the route or the content of the days. We will also ask you to complete and sign a medical and consent form.


Tuesday: The Berwyns. Cadair Bronwen from Llandrillo

(Harder walk, 15.5 km, 738 m ascent, approx. 7 hrs. walking time, with breaks.) Start time 9:00am at Rivercatcher We will begin by walking into the nearby village of Llandrillo, then start to climb steadily, following an old Drover’s route, with views over the Dee valley to the Arenigs and beyond. As the protected heather clad moorland opens out, we soon reach the cairn that marks the summit of Cadair Bronwen and may be lucky enough to spot a Hen Harrier or Black Grouse. From here we descend to the Col of Bwlch Maen Gwynedd, with views into the Ceiriog Valley, (continuing for a further Km is possible at this point to visit the summit of Cadair Berwyn ) and then continue downhill through across rough ground, following a stream, to eventually pick up a track and lane back into the village. 



Wednesday: Bala, Llyn Tegid and Craig Yr Alor

(Easier walk,11 km, 380m of ascent, approx. 5.5 hrs) Start time: 10:30, from a meeting point in Bala. A gradual ascent through fields and woodlands takes us onto the hillsides above Llyn Tegid. At over 4 miles long, this is the longest natural lake in Wales. From the summit of Craig Yr Alor we have great views of the lake and surrounding mountains before returning to finish our walk by discovering some of the history of Bala, a town which is proud of its Welsh culture and language and has produced poets, politicians and preachers. 


 

Thursday: Arenig Fawr

(Harder walk, 12.5 km, 600m ascent, time approx. 6 hrs. with breaks) Start time: 10am from a meeting point in Arenig village, near Bala Arenig Fawr is an imposing summit and one of the best mountains in Southern Snowdonia. Our walk begins by ascending gradually to a remote bothy and lake and then more steeply to gain the ridge and summit of Arenig Fawr. The summit is marked by a trig point, a shelter and a memorial to an American Flying Fortress which crashed here in 1943 with the loss of all on board. On a clear day the views of the coastline and main Snowdonia peaks are magnificent. We then head back along the ridge for a short distance before descending steeply to pick up a track that takes us back toward the minor road and shores of Llyn Celyn. 


 

What You Will Need:

  • A small rucksack (around 25 litres)
  • A waterproof Jacket and Trousers
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Footwear with a good grip and ankle support
  • Several layers of clothing e.g. a base layer T shirt, lightweight fleece, walking jacket and comfortable walking trousers (synthetic materials are ideal; jeans are not suitable for walking)
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • A picnic lunch with some high energy snack

Optional

  • Walking poles
  • Gaiters
  • You may also like to consider sun tan lotion/sunhat/flask with a warm drink/blister plasters


So get your walking boots on and come visit us for a hiking trip! To check accommodation availability for these weeks visit here. To book on to any of the walks visit the event page here.


Guided walks are organized and provided by Sharon Jones Mountain Leader. Rivercatcher cannot accept liability for any damage or injury sustained as part of a guided walk.

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