Gyrn Wigau and Foel Grach

Doug Lapsley

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It is quite remote when you are at about the halfway point and I only saw one other group of walkers and two shepherds in the whole day. The walk starts nice and gently with some small hills and lots of beautiful gorseflower all around. It then opens up into massive sweeping valleys of up to four miles. You feel like an ant as you plod your way up to the waterfall.

This is the highlight of the walk. It is steep and you will need to have basic climbing skills, but the effort is well-rewarded. The stream tumbles down numerous cascades into picturesque splash pools. Surrounded by water plants, wild berries and foxgloves, the gurgling stream has carved a sharp valley down the side of the hill.

Once at the top you experience wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding hills. You can look down from Foel Grach into the lake to the SW and across to the sea.

The long plod along the crest of the tour takes you back home, surrounded by views of the valley you have just walked.

Wales - North Wales - Gwynedd - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Mountains, Pub, River, Waterfall, Wildlife
19/06/2011 - Rhodri Thomas

The "Three Pensioners" undertook this walk at the height of summer - June 13th. and it snowed! Another great walk. The navigational advice was accurate. I would emphasise at Point 8 to maintain your height and follow the contour around to the left as the direct route would be extremely wet. At point 9 just after reaching the col ignore the stile ahead and turn immediately left and follow the faint path gently losing height towards the sheepfold. At Point 12 we elected to climb the grass slope on the left hand side of the stream rather than getting down amongst the rocks. Apart from the brief snowfall we had brilliant visibility - we could even see Ireland which we had never managed before from that area. Parking is difficult in Rachub, but the pub opened at 4.00pm just in time for our return. The walk took us 7h 15m including all stops for food and navigation checks. Would thoroughly recommend it to those who like to get off the beaten track.