Rhinogydd
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Rhinogydd (a Welsh plural form, often anglicised as Rhinogs and also known by the alternative Welsh plural Rhinogau) are a range of mountains located east of Harlech in North Wales.
They are formed of hard sedimentary rock of Cambrian age, known geologically as the Harlech dome. This name is derived from the bulging, folded, mountainous structure which once extended from Snowdon in the north to Cader Idris in the south. This dome has long since been eroded, leaving the valleys and peaks of the Rhinogydd visible today.
The Rhinogydd are notably rocky and heather-clad towards the northern end of the range, especially around Rhinog Fawr, Rhinog Fach and towards Moel Ysgyfarnogod. The southern end of the range around Y Llethr, Diffwys and the Ysgethin Valley has a more pleasant, grassy character.
A healthy population of wild goats can also be found in the range. The name Rhinogydd derives from the names of two of the more famous peaks, Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, although the greatest elevation in the range is reached by Y Llethr, 754 m.
Over 30 km² of the range are protected as a Special Area of Conservation and a National Nature Reserve.
[edit] Hillwalking in the Rhinogydd
The Rhinogydd are far less well known than the areas to the north of the Snowdonia National Park, such as the Glyderau, Carneddau and the Snowdon massif itself. This is due to the rugged nature of the landscape in the Rhinogydd and the fame of Snowdon as the highest peak in Wales. The Rhinog mountains are popular with hillwalkers looking for a more isolated, wilder walking experience.
The peaks of the range are most easily accessed from the west side. Two valleys - Cwm Nantcol (valley of the Nantcol River) and Cwm Bychan (small valley) - lead deep into the mountains and may be reached from the village of Llanbedr.
The most popular walking route in this area begins at the Roman Steps, which leads from Cwm Bychan through Bwlch Tyddiad and around Rhinog Fawr. Despite the name, these steps are not Roman and are in fact the well preserved remains of a medieval pack horse trail leading from Chester to Harlech Castle. At the top of the Roman Steps, the route curves around the eastern end of Rhinog Fawr and enters Cwm Nantcol via Bwlch Drws Ardudwy (The Pass of the Doorway of Ardudwy). A different path leads from Cwm Nantcol, passing around the western end of Rhinog Fawr back to Cwm Bychan via Gloywlyn (Gleaming Lake), completing a circular route that can easily be completed in a day.
[edit] Main peaks
The range contains the following Marilyns:
- Y Llethr 754 m
- Rhinog Fawr 720 m
- Y Garn 629 m
- Moel Ysgyfarnogod 623 m
- Moelfre 589 m
and the following other peaks:
- Rhinog Fach 712 m
- Diffwys 750 m
[edit] Image galleries
 Llyn Du on the northern slopes of Rhinog Fawr |
 Y Llethr from the slopes of Rhinog Fach |
 Evening light on Rhinog Fach |
 View looking north west from the summit of Rhinog Fawr |
