Rhinogydd

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.

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, 756 m.

Over 30 km² of the range are protected as a Special Area of Conservation and a National Nature Reserve.

Geology

The Rhinogydd are formed of hard sedimentary rock of Cambrian age and the area is known geologically as the Harlech dome. This name is derived from the 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 legacy of this structure can be seen in the slopes of Snowdon and Cader Idris: Snowdon's south face is far steeper than its north face, whilst Cader Idris' north face is steeper than the south.

History of Geological Investigations

The geology of the area was first characterised by Sedwick and Murchinson in 1835. [Sedgwick, A. and Murchinson, R.I. 'On the Silurian and Cambrian systems, exhibiting the order in which the older sedimentary strata succeed each other in England and Wales' Rep. Br. Assoc. Adv. Sci. (for 1835 Dublin), Trans., Sect., 59-61] The British Geological Survey began work in the area in 1846 and their first maps were published in 1855. [Allen, P.M. and Jackson, A.A. "Geology of the Country Around Harlech" British Geological Survey 1985 ISBN011884367-2] With the discovery of gold in the area in 1846, the state of geological knowledge increased dramatically. At least a dozen major publications appeared between 1844 and 1939.

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 at coord|52|51|16.76|N|4|0|18.43|W|, 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.

Main peaks

The range contains the following Marilyns:
*Y Llethr 756 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

Image galleries

Rhinog Fawr
Y Llethr from the slopes of Rhinog Fach
Rhinog Fach
Rhinog Fawr
Llanbedr and Moelfre from Llandanwg Church

Notes