Rhinog Fach
Rhinog Fawr & Rhinog Fach: Snowdonia’s Wild Heart
Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach are two of Snowdonia’s most rugged and remote peaks, offering a true taste of wilderness. Nestled within the lesser-explored Rhinogydd range, these mountains are famous for their rough terrain, rocky ridges, and the sense of adventure that comes with tackling them. If you’re seeking solitude, challenging scrambles, and dramatic views, the Rhinogs are calling.
Snowdonia’s Wild and Untamed Heart
The Rhinog mountains are notorious for their tough, pathless terrain, making them a favourite for experienced hikers looking to escape the busier trails of northern Snowdonia. Rhinog Fawr, the taller of the two at 720 metres, is a rugged peak of shattered rock and heather, while Rhinog Fach at 712 metres offers a slightly more accessible but still demanding climb.
Despite their relative obscurity, the Rhinogs are captivating. The rocky ascents are rewarded with breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys, out to the Irish Sea, and across to the Snowdon massif on clear days. It’s not just about reaching the summit here, it’s the journey through boggy paths, rocky gullies, and wild, untouched landscapes that make the Rhinogs an unforgettable experience.
Walks & Hikes Around Rhinog Fawr & Rhinog Fach
The Rhinogs offer some of the most challenging hikes in Snowdonia, characterised by rocky paths, steep ascents, and unpredictable terrain.
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Rhinog Fawr from Cwm Nantcol
- 7 mi
- 5 hrs - 6 hrs
A steep, rocky climb from Cwm Nantcol with vague paths and hands-on scrambling. Wild and rewarding.
Rhinog Fach from Cwm Bychan
- 6 mi
- 4 hrs - 5 hrs
Climb past Llyn Hywel to the rugged summit. Shorter but steep, with stunning lake views.
Rhinog Fawr & Rhinog Fach Circular
- 10 mi
- 7 hrs - 8 hrs
Link both peaks in a tough circuit over rocky ridges and steep scrambles. Remote and exhilarating.
The Rhinog Traverse
- 15 mi
- 9 hrs - 10 hrs
A full traverse of the Rhinogydd range. A rugged, all-day challenge for experienced hikers only.
Rhinog Fach via Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy
- 5 mi
- 3 hrs - 4 hrs
- A shorter, scenic ascent through a mountain pass, ideal for those wanting a less intense taste of the Rhinogs.
What to Know Before You Go
The Rhinogs are known for being some of the toughest mountains in Snowdonia, so come prepared. Wear robust hiking boots, pack plenty of food and water, and carry a map and compass; the paths are faint and often hard to follow. Weather can change rapidly, so always have extra layers and waterproofs.
Why We Love the Rhinogs
There’s a sense of raw adventure in the Rhinogs that you don’t often find elsewhere. These mountains make you work for every step, but the payoff is huge: solitude, untamed beauty, and that unbeatable feeling of conquering some of Snowdonia’s most formidable terrain. It’s a place where you earn your adventure, and the memories last long after you’ve descended.How to Get to the Rhinogs
The Rhinog mountains are best accessed from the small villages of Llanbedr or Trawsfynydd. Parking is available at Cwm Bychan (postcode: LL45 2PH) and Cwm Nantcol (postcode: LL45 2PH). Be aware that these are remote locations with limited facilities.
Public transport options are limited, but the nearest train station is in Harlech, followed by a taxi or a long walk to the trailheads.
A Bit of Rhinog History
The name “Rhinog” is thought to derive from the Welsh word for “rough” or “rugged,” which perfectly sums up these peaks. Historically, the Rhinogs were used for sheep farming, and you’ll still find old stone walls and sheepfolds scattered throughout the valleys.
Folklore hints that the Rhinogs were once the haunt of bandits and rebels, taking advantage of the mountains’ wild and impenetrable nature. Today, the range remains one of the last true wilderness areas in Snowdonia, attracting those who value the journey as much as the destination.
Keep exploring
The Rhinogs are just one of the wild wonders of southern Snowdonia. Ready to tackle more rugged trails and lesser-known peaks? Check out our guide to Snowdonia’s hidden mountains!