Moel Eilio Loop
Moel Eilio and its two subsidiary peaks is a short but spectacular run from the bustling colourful village of Llanberis, offering some of the finest views of Y Wydffa (Snowdon)
Overview of the Run
The peaks on this run are large grassy hills rather than mountains, without any technical terrain, that is an absolute belter of a run. Being lower than the surrounding Snowdon giants, Moel Eilio benefits from remaining below the cloud most of the time, providing good views in most conditions. Nestled alongside the Snowdon massif makes the route feel like you're amongst the bigger mountains, the terrain allows you to fully take in the grandest of vistas and makes for a great run.
13.6km (8.5miles)
739m
Easy / 0
Approach
This route starts and finishes in Llanberis. There are direct trains to Bangor from London Euston, Manchester, Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Crewe. See www.nationalrail.co.uk for details of train times and routes.
Llanberis can be reached via a bus transfer (number 85).
For up to date timetables of busses visit
www.bustimes.org
For access by road from the Midlands, the West Country and beyond the M54 connects with the M6 North-South motorway just above Birmingham leading to the A5 that runs to the north of Snowdonia National Park. The M6 and M56 provide the quickest way to North Wales from Manchester and the North of the UK, again linking up to the A55.
There are numerous toilets, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, outdoor shops and convenience stores that cater specifically for outdoor tourism.
Route Description
1.
From the village centre follow signs for the Slate Way which leads you steeply through the backstreets of Llanberis where the view of Moel Eilio open up in front of you as you leave the village behind. Continue steeply up the road through a gate and before long the road ends and joins a bridleway that traverses under Moel Eilio heading in a north westerly direction, it passes through a couple of gates but is always obvious.
2.
Arriving at Bwlch-y-Groes a wide obvious path leads left and up towards the summit of Moel Eilio starting just before a gate that leads to some slate quarries. The ascent is steady to begin with but as you hit a fence with the well worn path on its left hand side it starts to steepen. Follow this path to the summit where spectacular views await, you may need to move around the large summit plateau for several minutes to appreciate all the views.
3.
Head towards the unmistakable Snowdon massif crossing the subsidiary peaks of Foel Gron and Foel Goch with short enjoyable ascents up to both. After passing Foel Goch descend steeply down to Bwlch Maesgwm on nothing more than a rut cut into the hillside where care is needed to avert a slip. Take some time at the Bwlch to look back at the impressive glacial Cwm that you have been running along as it finally becomes visible for the first time.
4.
Now on a well maintained bridleway, enjoy running free for about 3 km’s towards Llanberis. It’s possible to continue on the bridleway all the way back into Llanberis but its worth taking the small path over Afon Arddu instead. Before the bridleway crosses Afon Hwch head south east on a track that passes over the river, follow a good path downstream before crossing the Snowdon train line. Carry on the path to a road where you will find yourself back with the masses as they descend from Snowdon’s summit from the Llanberis path. Run steeply down the road until it crosses over a cattle grid that brings you to the outskirts of Llanberis. To get back to the village centre and a well deserved drink at one of the many local establishments you just need to follow signs for the village centre.
5.
Before the bridleway crosses Afon Hwch head south east on a track that passes over the river, follow a good path downstream before crossing the Snowdon train line. Carry on the path to a road where you will find yourself back with the masses as they descend from Snowdon’s summit from the Llanberis path. Run steeply down the road until it crosses over a cattle grid that brings you to the outskirts of Llanberis. To get back to the village centre and a well deserved drink at one of the many local establishments you just need to follow signs for the village centre.
About this guide
Running in the mountains is an activity with a danger of personal injury or worse. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions. If you don't feel you have the skills or experience for this route you should seek professional assistance.