Moel Siabod stands proud amongst the great mountains of North Wales. Although not making the 3,000 feet magic number there is still a drop of at least 500m (over 1,600 feet ) in all directions. This makes for spectacular views.
Moel Siabod tends to be neglected as the hordes of walkers head for Tryfan and of course Snowdon. This is in fact criminally negligent as it is a superb, craggy mountain. Hidden tarns (cwms) pepper the eastern slopes making for a complex mix of craggy slopes and rough walking. Not for a good reason is this area known as the ML (Mountain Leaders) graveyard. Many prospective leaders have tried and failed to navigate these slopes whilst based at Plas y Brenin, the mountaineering training centre of England and Wales.
The southern and western slopes though offer a contrast. steep, grassy and smooth sided. In addition they offer some of the best views over the Snowdon Horseshoe, Tryfan and the Glyders. As does the full summit ridge. Although the highest point is nice and pointy a short ridge (wide but narrowing ) heads north east towards Capel Curig.
The best route however is to follow the line of 3 cwms from near Cape Curig and take to the Daear Ddu ridge. The ridge curves gracefully north west to the summit from Llyn Foel and surely offers one of the best approaches to the summit of any mountain in Britain.
Spend some time exploring the slate quarry remains at the second (man made) tarn on the route up.
Llyn Foel in the cloud is a real test of navigation. Using compass bearings, pacing and the lie and direction of the slopes is the best way to find your way around. It is largely trackless until higher up the ridge and any lower level path is not reliable.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Δ
