The Devil's Kitchen refers to a large crack in the cliffs along the southern side of Cwm Idwal, between Glyder Fawr and Y Garn. Through the crack there flows a multi-drop waterfall. In Welsh The Devil's Kitchen is known as Twll Du, meaning Black Hole. The Devil's Kitchen gets its name because when water or steam rises up through the crack, it resembles a chimney. Legend dictates that when steam is rising from the chimney, the Devil is…
The Glyderau (commonly called the Glyders) is a mountain range in Snowdonia National Park. The range takes its name from the two highest peaks in the range - Glyder Fawr (1001m) and Glyder Fach (994m). The Glyderau range includes five of the Welsh 3000s, which are peaks in Wales standing over 3000ft in height. In the Glyderau, these peaks are Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Y Garn, Elidir Fawr and Tryfan. All 11 peaks of the Glyderau can be…
Waun Fach (Little Moor) is a peat bog summit in the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. At 811m high it is the tallest peak in the Black Mountains. The most scenic walking route to the summit of Waun Fach is a circular loop from Pengenffordd which incorporates Y Grib, a ridge commonly known as the Dragons Back. The Black Mountains refer to an area of hills in the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons…
As a country carved by glaciers in the last ice age, the landscapes in Wales comprise of mountains, valleys and an abundance of waterfalls. Waterfalls in Wales are often steeped in legends and myths and are rumoured to be the entrance to magical fairy kingdoms. Growing up with beautiful cascades quite literally on my doorstep, I've always had a love for Welsh waterfalls. With most of my explorations almost exclusively based in South Wales, I recently embarked on…
Pen yr Ole Wen is a mountain in Wales found in Snowdonia National Park. The Welsh name Pen yr Ole Wen translates to Head of the White Slope. At 978m high it is the 7th highest peak in Wales and offers several walking routes to it's summit. Hikers can reach the top of Pen yr Ole Wen directly from Ogwen Cottage via a loose scree walk, from the North via Braich Ty Du or from the east via…
Pen y Fan
The Winter months are a great time to explore the British countryside. When Winter arrives, the crowds depart and you're presented with an opportunity to get a slice of the outdoors all to yourself. Winter walks in the UK are a great way to take that opportunity and get outside. The UK is blessed with a variety of landscapes to enjoy. From exposed moorlands to blustery coastlines, from craggy mountain peaks to sheltered ancient woodlands. Whichever terrain you…
This is a guide to help you decide which of the many beautiful Gower walks to enjoy. The Gower Peninsula is an area in South Wales located west of Swansea City. It covers an area of 180km² and mostly consists of rocky coastlines, beaches and farmland. The rugged coastline is popular with walkers and coasteerers, whilst the bays offer beautiful beaches on which to relax and enjoy water sports. Just a short stroll along the coastal paths of…
Snowdonia National Park in North Wales covers an area of 2132km², making it the largest National Park in Wales. Scattered over this vast area are 9 mountain ranges with dramatic craggy peaks, over 100 picturesque lakes, 23 miles of scenic coastline and a multitude of peaceful woodland areas. To fully appreciate all this natural beauty there is an abundance of Snowdonia walking routes for hikers of all abilities to enjoy. Top Snowdonia walks can vary from strolling along…
Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, is located in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. At 1085m (3560ft) Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and is also the only major UK peak that has a train running to its' summit. The 360 degree views from Snowdon's summit are breathtaking and on clear days can stretch as far as Ireland. Mountain views like these are best savoured after they have been earned, and this can be…
Llyn y Fan Fach is a glacial lake in the Brecon Beacons. This hiking guide describes 4 walking routes which take in views of this beautiful lake. I provide trail descriptions, distances, times and starting locations. The Black Mountain (singular) refers to a range of mountains in the Western Brecon Beacons National Park. This is not to be confused with the Black Mountains on the Eastern side of the Park. The highest peak in the Black Mountain (Y…
