Arenig Fawr

Arenig Fawr is an 854-meter peak in Snowdonia that rises alone above open moorland, with views across several mountain ranges and valleys. The mountain's isolated position makes it stand out from the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic sightlines that stretch across much of the region.

The mountain gained wider attention after a B-17 Flying Fortress crashed here in 1943, killing eight American airmen stationed in Britain during World War Two. A memorial at the summit marks this tragedy and serves as a reminder of wartime history.

The mountain inspired artists James Dickson Innes and Augustus John, who dedicated two years to painting the Arenig valley between 1911 and 1912.

The walk from Llyn Celyn reservoir takes around two and a half hours and follows a boundary fence as marked paths are limited on the moorland. Sturdy boots and careful footing are needed due to uneven terrain, boggy ground, and loose rocks along the route.

A massive granite boulder from the mountainside traveled hundreds of kilometers during the last Ice Age, eventually settling near Worcester in a different county. The rock now carries a plaque explaining how glaciers moved stones across the landscape millions of years ago.

GPS coordinates: 52.91711,-3.74597

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:24