Cwm Dwynant and Hirgwm

A walk exploring the quiet uplands and foothills on the northern side of the Mawddach estuary, just west of Bontddu. From the car park we walk a short distance on the A496, crossing the road to ascend an old bridleway. At the top we are rewarded by a magnificent vista including the Mawddach estuary and Cadair Idris. We then head north; in the valley below is Caerdeon church, built in 1862 in the Italianate style associated with hillside chapels. From here we join a quiet road to reach a forestry path on the left. There is now a gradual descent to another quiet road providing lovely views of the Dwynant as it tumbles downhill. We walk this for roughly half a mile taking a right fork to follow a narrow lane up the side of Cwm Dwynant to Capel Moriah. Here we join a track taking us to Caegwian where ahead of us is Bryn Castell, an ancient hill fort and medieval settlement. We then wander along an indistinct path to reach Bwlch Goch Uchaf from where, after following a permissive path, we soon reach Banc-y-Fran. Walking a short distance down the road, we turn onto a footpath taking us us through the Avon Hirgwm gorge to Bontddu. A short walk on main road brings us back to the car park and the end of the walk.