Moel Siabod

Moel Siabod stands alone above Dolwyddelan in Snowdonia, a 872-metre peak that is the highest in the Moelwynion range. The mountain’s name means ‘bare hill’ though scholars disagree on the exact meaning of ‘Siabod’. William Williams suggested it refers to a crown of snow, while J. Lloyd-Jones linked it to Middle English words describing a scarred or shabby surface. From the summit on clear days walkers can see 13 of Wales’s 15 highest peaks without turning their heads. The mountain is easily reached from three directions: Capel Curig and Pont Cyfyng to the north, and Dolwyddelan to the south. The National Mountain Centre, Plas-y-Brenin, sits at the foot of the northern slopes. The main ridge stretches about 800 metres, with steep drops on the south-east side and gentler grassy slopes on the north-west. A hanging valley at 500 metres contains Llyn-y-foel, a small lake fed by a stream that flows south-east. Paths lead walkers through forests, across streams and up rocky ridges. The route from Dolwyddelan crosses Forestry Commission land before climbing beside the stream from Llyn-y-foel. The Capel Curig path starts at Plas-y-Brenin and follows the Nant Gwryd over an ancient bridge. From Pont Cyfyng a tarmacked road climbs steeply to a fork where one branch goes up the main ridge and the other passes an old slate mine to reach the lake. From Llyn-y-foel several tracks ascend the minor ridge to the summit, some requiring hands on rock.