Manod Mawr

Manod Mawr is a mountain summit standing at 661 meters in Conwy County Borough. A large boulder offering natural shelter sits roughly 50 meters east of the triangulation point, serving as a recognizable landmark for hikers on the peak.

During World War II, the mountain's tunnels became a secure storage facility for the National Gallery of London's art collection. This unusual wartime use protected important paintings from air raids on the capital.

The Welsh name means 'great snowdrift,' stemming from how local people historically described the severe winter weather patterns. This name choice reflects how closely the landscape and its harsh seasons shaped the way residents spoke about their surroundings.

Bring Landranger Map 124 or Explorer Map OL18W when visiting, as multiple hiking routes start from the nearby town of Tanygrisiau. Having a map is important for safely navigating the various paths to the summit.

The summit lies within an exclusion zone of Snowdonia National Park, positioned near the former Graig Ddu Quarry located around the 600-meter elevation level. This unusual boundary placement makes it an interesting spot for exploring the park's edges.

Location: Conwy County Borough

Elevation above the sea: 661 m

GPS coordinates: 52.98410,-3.90156

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43