Aran Fawddwy

Mountain Prominent Welsh mountain in Southern Snowdonia

A rugged mountain in southern Snowdonia’s Aran range, visited by walkers for steep ridgelines, peat-hag terrain and wide upland views over neighboring peaks and valleys.

Main image

Aran Fawddwy is a mountain in southern Snowdonia, Wales, with a summit elevation of 905 metres. It is the highest peak of the Aran range and a notable objective for hillwalkers in the region.

The ridge and summit offer exposed upland walking with steep sections and rocky ground in places, including a prominent north face. On clear days the summit provides wide views over southern Snowdonia and neighbouring valleys, often used as a vantage point by peak baggers.

The mountain is a natural feature of the Welsh uplands and has no built history; the slopes have long been used for grazing and traditional upland farming. Over time it has become a regular destination for recreational hillwalking and mountaineering.

Situated in southern Snowdonia in the county of Gwynedd, the peak lies near the village of Dinas Mawddwy and forms part of the Aran uplands south of the main Snowdonia massif.

  • Height: the summit reaches 905 metres above sea level, making it one of Wales's higher peaks outside Snowdon.
  • Access note: routes are largely unmarked mountain paths; sturdy boots and map or GPS are recommended for the upland terrain.
Aran Fawddwy
52.7870, -3.6879

How to Get to Aran Fawddwy #

Nearest road access is via the A470 and local B-roads into the village of Dinas Mawddwy; parking is at informal lay-bys and farm access points. Public transport is limited-nearest rail coach connections are in Dolgellau with onward local buses or taxi arrangements.

Tips for Visiting Aran Fawddwy #

  • Climb on a clear day for views across to Snowdonia and the Rhinogs; cloud can obliterate all landmarks quickly.
  • The south ridge provides a quieter approach than the popular Bala-side routes.
  • Watch for sheep tracks-local farmers' gates and fencing are plentiful.

Best Time to Visit Aran Fawddwy #

Late spring to early autumn provides the likeliest window of stable weather and clearer views; winter is severe and technical.

Summer
June-August · 8-16°C
Warmest, with long daylight-best for full-day walks and ridge traverses.
Late spring
May-June · 6-12°C
Heather in bloom and fewer midges; good conditions for summit photography.

Weather & Climate near Aran Fawddwy #

Climate

Aran Fawddwy's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2201 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (243 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

243 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

177 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

204 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (221 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

221 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (248 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

248 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (252 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

252 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Aran Fawddwy