Cadair Bronwen & Cadair Berwyn Horseshoe from Tyn-y-ffrid — Berwyn Hills

This was a tough one but at last I had a clear view on the tops even if it was a bit breezy. Absolutely stunning 👍

The Berwyn's have a reputation for being boring with miles of heather and little rock. The highest peak of the range is an exception and considering its height (2723ft / 830m) it sees very few visitors. With steep rocky escarpments facing east it provides the basis for an interesting walk. which is a popular spot for visitors in the summer. The route we choose for this walk is longer and less popular but you will bag 11 peaks. Starting from the Tyn-y-ffridd farm in Cwm Maen Gwynedd (grid ref. SJ117308). We parked in a lay by close to a bridge going over a stream. Head back up the road you came down and keep left until you come to a telephone box on your right. Go up through the farm following the public right of way that leads to the southern corner of an old conifer plantation. All that is required now is a 600ft climb on grass beside the plantation to the first summit of the day - Mynydd Tarw. From here there are good views east towards Shropshire and Cheshire as well as a preview of the remaining parts of the walk. Turning north east, follow the fence to reach Foel Wen south top. As you continue west the view across to Cadair Berwyn improves with some interesting spiky crags adding interest to the foreground. With the rock covered by thick layers of peat, the going is fairly straight forward although a little squelchy in places. Keeping with the fence you soon reach the main top of Foel Wen. The fourth summit of the round is Tomle, with a steady climb of 650ft to its summit. You are now in a perfect position to inspect the crags of Cadair Berwyn, which extend over a distance of more than two miles. We turned right through a turnstile and walked for about a mile to the fifth summit Cadair Bronwen. Re trace your steps and head on up to the twin summits of Cadiar Berwyn and Berwyn North top. We carried on from here to bag Moel Sych which was our 8th mountain top. Again retrace your steps and pick up a path taking you down to a col. From here there is an excellent view of Llyn Lluncaws and the valley leading to Pistyll Rhaeadr. Look out for a path heading down to Moel yr Ewig, care needs to be exercised as the crags are steep. Once located make for the fence running south east, a direction you will follow over Moel yr Ewig and Godor North Top and Godor. The going is very boggy over the moorland and improves as you get closer to Godor. From Godor we headed south-east until we reached the public right of way just to the west of Bryn-gwyn farm. From here it is a matter of keeping to the track (right of way) you will see a small forest with a house just behind it, head to the right of the forest and you will see the two stiles to get you back to your car.

Please ignore time / speed. For some reason this data doesn't import correctly from Suunto