Moel Cynghorion Mountain Circular Walk

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Difficulty: Hard

Length: 8.18 km (5.08 miles)

Approx. duration: 2-4hrs

Parking: Paid (Google Maps)

Dogs: Yes – On lead near livestock

From Perthi Holiday Cottages: 12-minute drive

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Moel Cynghorion is a quieter mountain walk above Llanberis, following the beginning of the Snowdon Ranger Path before branching away onto the open hillside. The route gives good views across Llyn Cwellyn, Snowdon and towards Llanberis.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for another mountain to explore after completing the better-known walks in the area. The paths are clear and easy to follow, with no scrambling or technical sections, although there’s no dramatic summit feature or trig point to look out for.

At around 5 miles, it’s a useful option if you’ve already explored the main walks nearby and are looking for another mountain to add to your list. Moel Cynghorion is also classed as a Nuttall, making it a worthwhile addition for anyone keen to tick off some of the Welsh mountain summits.

There’s nothing particularly spectacular about the summit itself, but the open hillside and surrounding views make for a pleasant walk, particularly on a clear day. It’s best thought of as a quieter alternative rather than one of the area’s must-do mountain walks.

Our 17th-century cottages sit just above Beddgelert, with walking routes straight from the door.

Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Numbered steps with photos to help you follow the route.

Paid parking is found opposite the Snowdon Ranger YHA. To begin the walk, cross the road and make your way towards the YHA. You will see a sign guiding you up a path before you arrive at the YHA (pictured).
Follow this path, passing the small train station platform on your right. Keep following the fence and the railway line before crossing the train line (pictured) and making your way up past the farm on to the initial steep zig-zag section.
At the top of the zig-zag section, the path flattens out. Continue along the clear path until you reach a clearly signposted junction (pictured), where a path heads uphill to the left towards Llanberis. Follow this path uphill.
Continue uphill until you reach the gate at the top of the pass, where the path descends towards Llanberis. Do not go through the gate. Instead, turn right and follow the wall and fence uphill towards the summit of Moel Cynghorion.
The route follows grassy paths, keeping the fence close on your left for most of the walk before it disappears. There is no distinct summit point, so simply continue to the highest ground.
Continue straight ahead across the open grassy ground until you reach another fence ahead. The fence turns at a right angle and leads downhill towards the Snowdon Ranger Path. Turn right and follow the fence downhill, keeping it close by as you descend the mountain. You’ll cross a stile on the way down before continuing towards the Snowdon Ranger Path.
When you reach the clear Snowdon Ranger Path, do not turn left and follow the path uphill towards Snowdon. Instead, turn right and follow the flatter path back towards the Llanberis turning you passed earlier. At the junction, continue straight ahead and retrace your steps down the zig-zag section to complete the walk.

17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert

Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews

Ty Hebog historical barn conversion exterior at Perthi in Beddgelert Cosy log burner interior at Ty Hebog cottage Luxury king size bedroom with original historic character at Ty Felin water mill

Stay in a converted water mill, a historic barn or a mountain lodge on Delyth’s family farm above the village — with wide Eryri views and walking routes from the door.