Moelwyn Mawr
Site of Special Scientific Interest
In 1990, Moelwyn Mawr was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest of national scientific importance. The glaciated landscape of the mountain provides fine examples of two specific Pleistocene features. On the north-east flank of the mountain is a terrain of patterned ground, consisting of small-scale vegetated stripes. On the north side, a debris tongue formed by a rock glacier extends into Cwm Croesor.
Quarrying
Slate quarrying was a major industry for many years in the Moelwynion. Moelwyn Mawr's flanks have several major quarries on them. To the north is Croesor Quarry perched high above Cwm Croesor. To the north east is Rhosydd Quarry on the col between Cwm Croesor and Cwm Orthin. Within Cwm Orthin, Conglog and Wrysgan quarries are located on the north slope of the mountain. Within Cwm Ystradau to the east lies Moelwyn Slate Quarry.
Walking
A common hike combines both Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach via the Craigysgafn ridge.
A steep climb to the summit (which has a trig point) allows views of areas that cannot be seen without climbing.
Moelwyn Mawr has a high reservoir, Llyn Stwlan, which is part of the Ffestiniog Power Station pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Tanygrisiau.
The walk over the main peaks in the Moelwyns, those being Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach involves a walk up a disused incline, before gaining the grassy slopes of Moelwyn Mawr and onto the rockier Moelwyn Bach, before walking back down the road from the Stwlan Dam. Both the Snowdonia and Harlech Ordnance Survey maps are needed to cover the walk. Transport to the beginning may be done by car to Tanygrisiau or Ffestiniog, or by train from Llandudno Junction.
References
- ^ "MOELWYN MAWR SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, Citation (English)" (PDF). Countryside Council for Wales. 1990.
- ^ "MOELWYN MAWR SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, Citation (Cymryu)" (PDF). Countryside Council for Wales. 1990.
- ^ "MOELWYN MAWR SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, Map" (PDF). Countryside Council for Wales. 1990.
- ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 2 - Locomotives and Rolling Stock; Quarries and Branches: Rebirth 1954-74. The British Narrow Gauge Railway. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 978-0-85361-168-4. OCLC 874117875. B1B.
- ^ Nuttall, John & Anne (1999). The Mountains of England & Wales - Volume 1: Wales (2nd edition ed.). Milnthorpe, Cumbria: Cicerone. ISBN 1-85284-304-7.
External links
52°59′01″N 4°00′02″W / 52.98369°N 4.00044°W
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