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Cefn Cyfarwydd

Hill, Mountain in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Cefn Cyfarwydd

Erratic boulder There is not a lot of 'detail' on Cefn Cyfarwydd, so finding a fabulous group of boulders on the edge of a slight rise was a bonus. Otherwise, heathery moorland is almost unbroken. These rocks are also a set of fragments of a larger whole - an observation that Charles Darwin made when he pondered the origin of a spectacular set of rocks in Cwm Idwal - and concluded that they had originated through some kind of fall from a glacier.
Erratic boulder Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Cefn Cyfarwydd is a prominent hill located in the county of Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated in the Snowdonia National Park, it forms part of the expansive mountain range that characterizes the region. Standing at an elevation of approximately 485 meters (1,591 feet), Cefn Cyfarwydd offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is composed mainly of rugged and rocky terrain, typical of the Snowdonia region. Its slopes are covered in heather and grasses, creating a picturesque landscape that changes with the seasons. Cefn Cyfarwydd is also intersected by several walking trails, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

One notable feature of Cefn Cyfarwydd is its connection to Welsh folklore. Legend has it that the hill was once the home of a fearsome dragon that terrorized the local community. Today, visitors can still see the remnants of the mythical creature in the form of rock formations, adding an element of mystique to the hill.

Cefn Cyfarwydd is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its accessible location and breathtaking views make it a favored spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. The hill is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds of prey, sheep, and various plant species.

Overall, Cefn Cyfarwydd is a captivating hill in Caernarfonshire, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the Snowdonia National Park.

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Cefn Cyfarwydd Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.150165/-3.8676114 or Grid Reference SH7563. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Erratic boulder There is not a lot of 'detail' on Cefn Cyfarwydd, so finding a fabulous group of boulders on the edge of a slight rise was a bonus. Otherwise, heathery moorland is almost unbroken. These rocks are also a set of fragments of a larger whole - an observation that Charles Darwin made when he pondered the origin of a spectacular set of rocks in Cwm Idwal - and concluded that they had originated through some kind of fall from a glacier.
Erratic boulder
There is not a lot of 'detail' on Cefn Cyfarwydd, so finding a fabulous group of boulders on the edge of a slight rise was a bonus. Otherwise, heathery moorland is almost unbroken. These rocks are also a set of fragments of a larger whole - an observation that Charles Darwin made when he pondered the origin of a spectacular set of rocks in Cwm Idwal - and concluded that they had originated through some kind of fall from a glacier.
Winter moorland Cefn Cyfarwydd is blessed by sun on this day, but showing true winter colour. The distant peak is Carnedd Llewelyn looking over the lower ground of Craig Eigiau.
Winter moorland
Cefn Cyfarwydd is blessed by sun on this day, but showing true winter colour. The distant peak is Carnedd Llewelyn looking over the lower ground of Craig Eigiau.
Enigmatic ruin The remains of a ruined structure lie beside a small quarried defile. Was it a shelter for the men who were scratching at the rock of the hill?
Enigmatic ruin
The remains of a ruined structure lie beside a small quarried defile. Was it a shelter for the men who were scratching at the rock of the hill?
Rowan, Pen y Graig Gron Trees must be tough to survive up here, and this rowan is doing very well, perched on a rocky eminence above bleak, heathery moorland. The rocky eminence is due to the presence here of a dolerite, or microgabbro intrusion into the slatey rocks which make up much of Cefn Cyfarwydd to the northeast.
Rowan, Pen y Graig Gron
Trees must be tough to survive up here, and this rowan is doing very well, perched on a rocky eminence above bleak, heathery moorland. The rocky eminence is due to the presence here of a dolerite, or microgabbro intrusion into the slatey rocks which make up much of Cefn Cyfarwydd to the northeast.
Moorland grazing Much of Cefn Cyfarwydd is rough and heathery, but on the eastern side of this fence the land is more grassy, leading to an abrupt colour change. I assume that this is due to the grazing regime, sheep being evident on this side. It is rather easier walking, too!
Moorland grazing
Much of Cefn Cyfarwydd is rough and heathery, but on the eastern side of this fence the land is more grassy, leading to an abrupt colour change. I assume that this is due to the grazing regime, sheep being evident on this side. It is rather easier walking, too!
Gate and stile Paths are few, and not well-used here. The provision of a gate and a newer stile at this point is a surprise and a luxury.
Gate and stile
Paths are few, and not well-used here. The provision of a gate and a newer stile at this point is a surprise and a luxury.
Dolerite crags The presence here of an igneous intrusion makes a welcome break in the monotonous heather moorland. Big boulders have been broken out of the small cliff by frost action and tumbled down. Greenery in the background appears to be a sparse holly tree adjacent to a small coniferous escape from forestry in the valley below.
Dolerite crags
The presence here of an igneous intrusion makes a welcome break in the monotonous heather moorland. Big boulders have been broken out of the small cliff by frost action and tumbled down. Greenery in the background appears to be a sparse holly tree adjacent to a small coniferous escape from forestry in the valley below.
Bog pool A boggy pool and drain on the low col to the west of Pen y Graig Gron. Grasses here really were reddish in colour.
Bog pool
A boggy pool and drain on the low col to the west of Pen y Graig Gron. Grasses here really were reddish in colour.
Rocks with ruin Crumbling crags of dolerite, or microgabbro have made a significant rockfall above this level, rushy ground. Sheltering against the hillside is an enigmatic ruin. Marked on the earliest available OS map of 1887, this roofless ruin still has an elevated fireplace in situ, and retains its gables. I imagined that it may be associated with a quarrying endeavour as it is so close to this source of fine, strong, igneous rock - but there is no sign of that.
Rocks with ruin
Crumbling crags of dolerite, or microgabbro have made a significant rockfall above this level, rushy ground. Sheltering against the hillside is an enigmatic ruin. Marked on the earliest available OS map of 1887, this roofless ruin still has an elevated fireplace in situ, and retains its gables. I imagined that it may be associated with a quarrying endeavour as it is so close to this source of fine, strong, igneous rock - but there is no sign of that.
Rockfall hillside Trees have a foothold at the edge of a rockfall. Otherwise, thick heather dominates.
Rockfall hillside
Trees have a foothold at the edge of a rockfall. Otherwise, thick heather dominates.
Sunlit crags Angular outcrop of hard, igneous rock is prominent above the small valley formed by the erosion of softer slatey rocks. The sun was lovely, but giving inky shadows due to the low illumination angle.
Sunlit crags
Angular outcrop of hard, igneous rock is prominent above the small valley formed by the erosion of softer slatey rocks. The sun was lovely, but giving inky shadows due to the low illumination angle.
Shadowed spur Looking over the spur of Creigiau Gleision towards mountains north of Llyn Cowlyd. With such low sun it is inevitable that deep shadow has been cast over the ground on the north side of the peaks, but I liked the contrast and the shaft of light illuminating the mossy foreground.
Shadowed spur
Looking over the spur of Creigiau Gleision towards mountains north of Llyn Cowlyd. With such low sun it is inevitable that deep shadow has been cast over the ground on the north side of the peaks, but I liked the contrast and the shaft of light illuminating the mossy foreground.
Rhyolite outcrop Pale, cleaved rock here on the northern crags of Creigiau Gleision comprise tuffs belonging to the Crafnant Volcanic Formation, which is a member of the Snowdon Volcanic Group, of Ordovician, Caradoc age. The background is amusing because the deep, glaciated valleys of Llyn Cowlyd and Cwm Eigiau are completely lost from the image, with Foel Fras floating serenely above it all.
Rhyolite outcrop
Pale, cleaved rock here on the northern crags of Creigiau Gleision comprise tuffs belonging to the Crafnant Volcanic Formation, which is a member of the Snowdon Volcanic Group, of Ordovician, Caradoc age. The background is amusing because the deep, glaciated valleys of Llyn Cowlyd and Cwm Eigiau are completely lost from the image, with Foel Fras floating serenely above it all.
Enigmatic wall When I saw this wall I was puzzled. Examination in a wider context, however, makes it look like part of a dam across this level spot with a reasonable supply of water. It is adjacent to an interesting little slate trial adit (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7048126">SH7462 : Slate waste heap</a>). The tree is an intruder that has seeded from the forestry in the Crafnant Valley to the south.
Enigmatic wall
When I saw this wall I was puzzled. Examination in a wider context, however, makes it look like part of a dam across this level spot with a reasonable supply of water. It is adjacent to an interesting little slate trial adit (see SH7462 : Slate waste heap). The tree is an intruder that has seeded from the forestry in the Crafnant Valley to the south.
Slate waste heap Rubbish that has been cleared out of a small trial quarry, which is adjacent. The mudstone is well cleaved but the outcrop is too shattered to be useful at the depth achieved in the quarry. The slates are a sedimentary unit within the Crafnant Volcanic Formation, and may attribute their good cleavage to heating by the nearby intrusion of microgabbro (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7048083">SH7362 : Rocks with ruin</a>).
Slate waste heap
Rubbish that has been cleared out of a small trial quarry, which is adjacent. The mudstone is well cleaved but the outcrop is too shattered to be useful at the depth achieved in the quarry. The slates are a sedimentary unit within the Crafnant Volcanic Formation, and may attribute their good cleavage to heating by the nearby intrusion of microgabbro (see SH7362 : Rocks with ruin).
Bog pool Pretty sky reflections in this pool in the bog. Foel Fras and Carnedd Llewelyn make up the distant horizon.
Bog pool
Pretty sky reflections in this pool in the bog. Foel Fras and Carnedd Llewelyn make up the distant horizon.
Moorland view Wet, heathery and very hard work, but a fabulous place to be on such a day!
Moorland view
Wet, heathery and very hard work, but a fabulous place to be on such a day!
Ruined mine buildings above Hafod Arthen The buildings have thick walls built of slate that is too uneven to be used for roofing and hasn't stood the test of time for walls, either.
Ruined mine buildings above Hafod Arthen
The buildings have thick walls built of slate that is too uneven to be used for roofing and hasn't stood the test of time for walls, either.
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Cefn Cyfarwydd is located at Grid Ref: SH7563 (Lat: 53.150165, Lng: -3.8676114)

Unitary Authority: Conwy

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///apparatus.forgets.behind. Near Llanrwst, Conwy

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