Walk 2292 - printer friendly version

Moel-y-Gest Porthmadog Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 2.5 miles / 4.1 km

Ascent - 800 feet / 242 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SH564390
Lat 52.9291470 + Long -4.1377814
Postcode LL49 9HX (approx. location only)

Starting from Porthmadog, this short walk explores the twin summits of Moel-y-Gest (Pen Llŷn) which lie west of the town centre. The route can involve some scrambling, but this is avoidable as the hill has many paths which offer easier options. The steep climb onto the hill is rewarded with a glorious panorama which includes the coast south to Harlech and west towards Criccieth. Inland some of the higher mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) including the Moelwyns and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) can also be seen.

The start is the Lidl car park (grid ref. SH564390) alongside the A497 northwest of the town centre where parking is available if you purchase something from the store. After parking return to the A497 and turn right. Cross the road when convenient and continue to reach a footpath fingerpost on the left. Veer left up the path into woodland. The path soon heads half-left to climb across the eastern flank of Moel-y-Gest (Pen Llŷn). Pass through the gateposts and continue upwards to cross a stile in a wall (grid ref. SH558389).

After crossing the stile, turn left and follow the path beside the wall out of the trees. Join the clear path heading up the ridge which climbs steeply to reach the top. You soon cross the east top of Moel-y-Gest/Pen Llŷn (231 m.) from where you descend to a col. The route continues west where there are options for scrambling if you prefer. Continue to the west top (262 m.) which is marked with an OS trig column. The view is superb, and you should allow time to absorb the many features before retracing your steps back to the start.

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