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 at a Glance#

About Aran Fawddwy#

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.

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.

Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -1° - 4° -5° 243 mm overcast 94% 8.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.1h
February Poor -1° - 4° -5° 177 mm overcast 93% 8.6 m/s 0.2 low 9.7h
March Poor 0° - 5° -3° 204 mm overcast 90% 7.6 m/s 0.4 low 11.7h
April Poor 1° - 8° -1° 139 mm overcast 86% 6.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 13.8h
May Poor 3° - 11° 4° 122 mm overcast 84% 6.1 m/s 1.2 high 15.5h
June Acceptable 6° - 14° 10° 131 mm overcast 84% 5.5 m/s 1.4 high 16.5h
July Acceptable 8° - 16° 12° 131 mm overcast 85% 5.4 m/s 1.4 high 16.0h
August Acceptable 8° - 16° 12° 154 mm overcast 87% 5.1 m/s 1.1 high 14.5h
September Poor 6° - 13° 7° 179 mm overcast 88% 5.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 12.5h
October Poor 4° - 9° 3° 221 mm overcast 91% 7.1 m/s 0.3 low 10.4h
November Poor 1° - 6° -1° 248 mm overcast 93% 7.6 m/s 0.1 low 8.6h
December Poor 0° - 5° -3° 252 mm overcast 94% 7.9 m/s 0.0 low 7.5h