Mynydd Cefn Ddwy Graig and Rhos-y-gwaliau - 1 June 2018

The rich and varied landscape of Penllyn offers us a multitude of paths to follow and explore. This month I offer a walk that gives you the opportunity to explore a less visited and often quieter area in the Llyn Tegid catchment.

*Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL 23

Start by parking in the main Llyn Tegid foreshore pay and display car park and walk along the lakeside tarmac path towards Penybont Campsite at the North-eastern end of Llyn Tegid. Once past the campsite entrance turn right and follow Bridlepath 05 Llangower up a gravel track. Take the first footpath to your left which will lead you on a moderately difficult section through the forestry. You will then follow the path through farmland towards ‘Encil y Coed’. Once at Encil y Coed take the footpath to the left which takes you on to ‘Mynydd Cefn Ddwy Graig’. Now is the time to take a look behind you and marvel at the views of Llyn Tegid and Bala Town from this elevated area. Indeed, if you are lucky enough to be there on a clear day one can see the Snowdon Horseshoe out to the West.

The open terrain across Mynydd Cefn Ddwy Graig gives us clear views towards Edeyrnion and further towards the Vale of Clwyd. An interesting feature, love them or loathe them, are the windmills peppered around the boundary of the National Park and much further. Indeed, locals can find their bearings just by looking at the windmills!

A ladder stile is the exit point from Mynydd Cefn Ddwy Graig, follow the footpath past ‘Ty Mawr’ and it takes you gently in to the hamlet of Rhosygwaliau. To the east is ‘Rhiwaedog farm’ which boasts a rich and varied history. Rhiwaedog (in English ‘The Bloody Hill’), is where generations of descendants of one of the most powerful 12th century Welsh Lords, Rhirid Flaidd, lived. So ruthlessly did he rule over his vast land in North Wales, that he was known to all as the Bloody Wolf, and this symbol is displayed in his Coat of Arms. There are a number of traditions and legends associated with Rhiwaedog. One such legend speaks of an egg-sized crystal which was passed from generation to generation, and is said to have had the power to foretell the death of the head of the household when its brilliant colour became clouded.

Follow the road to the right through the hamlet, and right again past the Rhosygwaliau Outdoor Education Centre.

Take the next footpath to your right and over a bridge following the River Cymerig. The path then climbs at a fair rate past ‘Cae Glas’ and back towards ‘Encil y Coed’. Again wonderful views of the Cadair Idris and Arenig mountain ranges can be seen from here.

You will now follow the path that you came up for a few meters. This time, bear left along a footpath towards ‘Wenallt’, across farmland and skirt to the right of the farmyard. If you are lucky enough to be here early morning you might see the mist hugging Llyn Tegid and Bala with nothing but crystal blue skies above! As you descend bear left and follow the footpath through ‘Coed Fachddeiliog’ and towards the Bala Lake Railway terminal. From here you can re-join lakeside tarmac path, making your way back to the Llyn Tegid foreshore car park.

This is a five mile loop so have plenty of time in hand. Please be aware that this crosses farmland from time to time. This is a thriving working landscape and you will encounter farm animals.

Countryside Code

Arwel Morris (Llyn Tegid Warden)

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