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| Rhinog Fach   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Snowdonia, Wales, Europe Lat/Lon: 52.82403°N / 3.98237°W County: Gwynedd Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Bouldering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Elevation: 2336 ft / 712 m | Page By: Nanuls Created/Edited: Apr 26, 2007 / Dec 11, 2008 Object ID: 288519 Hits: 1945 Loading... Page Score: 89.17% - 21 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
Rhinog Fach (712m Ordnance datum) is the fourth highest mountain in the Rhinog Range, located just between Rhinog Fawr (720m OD) and Y Llethr (754m OD). Despite its modest height it's probably the most striking and dramatic mountain of the range, it's steep slopes rise sharply out of Cwm Nantcol to a rocky heather clad summit.
Well off the beaten, it's much less visited than its close neighbours, and they aren't visited very much. So with nothing but goats for company, climbing this little mountain can give the impression that you are in a true wilderness, something that's sadly lacking in the UK.
The mountain can be reached starting at the Maes-y-Garnedd car park (190m OD)(SH 641 269) and heads east, in a gradual climb up Cwm Nantcol towards Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy. Before reaching Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy the route turns south and climbs up to the shores of Llyn Hywel (539m OD). Llyn Hywel is a wonder in itself, hidden between Rhinog Fawr and Y Llethr, whose slopes plunge into the lake, it makes an ideal spot for a wild camp or a mid walk swim. From here the route heads north up the steep southern slope of Rhinog Fach climbing the remaining 173m to the summit. The Climbers Club Guide to Meirionydd describes two climbs on the mountain - The South Ridge (Severe), which takes a direct line up the southern face (obviously) of the mountain; and Walking on Water (Severe) which ascends the slab on the far side of Llyn Hywel (Deep Water Soloing in the Rhinogs!).
Rhinog Fach from Llyn Hywel |
Essential GearSummer: All that is needed is the standard gear - a good pair of boots, water proofs etc.
Winter: Under snowy conditions the addition of an ice axe and crampons is requiered, and if attempting a scramble a rope and helmet is also advisable.Getting ThereThe Maes-Garnedd car park can be reached easily from the A496 which runs runs along the coast from Llanulltyd near Dolgellau in the south to Blaenau Ffestiniog in the north.
The area can also be reached by rail, however getting from the stations to the mountains themselves can be difficult as public transport is pretty infrequent and hitching can be a nightmare.
Red TapeNo red tape! Although unlikely it is worth checking the countryside access map provided by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) regarding whether or not any restrictions on movement in the area are in place.
Countryside Access Map
CampingThere are a number of campsites that surround the range, the best situated, but also most basic is a campsite at Cwm Bychan (SH 644 313) in the heart of the mountains and in easy distance from both Rhinog Fawr and Fach. Other nearby campsites can be found at Cae Gwyn Farm (SH 713 297) to the east of the range, and Merthyr Farm (SH 600 319) to the west.
For wild camping Llyn Hywl (SH 662 267) makes an excellent location.
Campsites, hostels, hotels and B&Bs can also be found at all of the larger neaby towns e.g. Porthmadog, Harlech, Dolgellau, and Barmouth; as well as in some smaller villages along the coast e.g. Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr and Coed Ystymgwern.
Llyn Hywel |
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Rhinog Fach |
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MapsGuidebooksSnowdonia (Official National Park Guide) by Merfyn Williams
The Mountains of England and Wales: Volume 1 Wales (Cicerone Guide) by John and Anne Nuttall
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 1 (Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 2(Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Ridges of Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Scrambles in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Climbers Club Guide Wales: Meirionnydd
Welsh Winter Climbs (Cicerone Guide) by Malcolm Campbell and Andy NewtonExternal LinksGeneral
Snowdonia National Park Authority
Gwynedd County Council
Local Information from Gwynedd.com
Local Information from Snowdonia Wales Net
Countryside Council for Wales
The National Trust
CADW
Rhinog SAC
Weather
Mountain Weather Wales
Weather from the Met Office
Weather Channel UK
Travel
Welsh Public Transport Information
Uk Train Timetable
Accomodation
Youth Hostel Association in Wales
Maps and Guidebooks
Ordnance Survey
Harvey Map Services
Cicerone Guidebooks Images
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