Estimated net time	4-5 hours
Difficulty	No difficulties. The whole route runs on path.
Drinking water	Access to running water from the stream by trail head but the number of sheep should probably make you sceptical to drink this water.
GSM coverage	Coverage throughout the route (March 2012).
Parking	Room for many cars at trail head car park.
Start height	179 metres
Vertical metres	1020 metres for the roundtrip.
Trip distance	16.5 km
GPS-file	X
Map		Google Interactive Map
Route photo	Aran Fawddwy trail head in Llanuwchllyn.   Start of path to Aran Fawddwy.

From the village Bala drive road A494 south, approximately 8 km, to the village Llanuwchllyn. Turn left onto road B4403 and drive 1.0 km to a car park on the left hand side of the road. Park here. This a few tens of metres before a bridge.

Start your hike by walking towards the bridge and cross the stiles on the right hand side of the road. Follow this road approximately 600 metres, and leave the road to the right where you see a stile and a sign for "ARAN Ridge Path". This path follows the Aran Fawddwy's north ridge all the way to the summit, across a number of small tops when you get higher up. The summit is marked by a nice stone cairn (not just a pile of stones).

Descend by reversing your ascent route.

31. March 2012

I had driven to Wales from Telford the day before, after my workshop, and had then climbed Maesglase. Then I drove to Bala and spent the night there. This Saturday was the first day of my plan to bag four Welsh mountains with primary factor >600m. First on the agenda was Aran Fawddwy, which I had intended to hike from west. But after having asked around a little none were able to give me any useful information about this route, and since the visibility was down to less than 100 metres I decided to go with the firm advice I received at the hotel; follow the north ridge from Llanuwchllyn.

At trail head I was soon joined by a father and son (I assume), and they confirmed that this route would be safe also with the poor visibility we had today. I started my hike a little before 9am, and the plan was to be back down by noon, then food and the drive south towards Cadair Idris, which I aimed at start hiking at 14:00.

The hike to Aran was relatively easy, but unfortunately the clouds didn't lift so my views were in practice zero. One thing crossed my mind, though; the summit cairn wasn't one of these ugly concrete cairns, but one of the same shape made from stones. Much nicer.

Down at the slightly steep section around 750 metres I met the father&son, and we chatted a little again. They seemed to be determined to get to the summit.

Back at the car I changed into dry clothes, noting that I was a few minutes behind schedule, but didn't worry about that. Next on the agenda was to get some food and drive towards Cadair Idris.
Photos 31.03.2012