Description and photographs of a walk on Moel Ysgyfarnogod and Foel Penolau during a walking week in Snowdonia based out of West Bromwich Mountaineering Club’s club hut in 2009.

Feeling much recovered from my exertions earlier in the week, and having gained much confidence from the day prior, Richard and I decided upon an attempt on the isolated Moel Ysfarnogod behind Llyn Trawsfynydd.

Starting at the head of the minor road from Glan-y-wern we followed route 9.2 in the Wales volume of the Nuttalls books. The weather was superb all day, and the only real navigation problem during the day was choosing the point at which to leave the old mine track that leads pretty much to the mountain. As it happened we had chosen the right track, but did question our judgement as we following the track around the south side of the mountain, but ultimately we reached Llyn Du. The route was quite straightforward from here, descending down into the col and then scrambling up onto Foel Penolau and on to its two summits.

The scrambling is light, taking an obvious gully to the centre of the the mountain, and pretty much whatever line you like onto the two tops. Much recommended on a nice day, you will have the hill pretty much to yourself as we did.

Moel Ysgyfarnogod – 623m – Rhinogs Foel Penolau – 614m – Rhinogs