BSC26: Elidir Fawr & Y Garn Mountain Walk (Sat)
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This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2026.
Challenging Mountain walk - 14km 6/7 hours of mountain hiking on and off path and involves 1100m of ascent.
Elidir Fawr (Electric Mountain) is scarred by the historical slate mining, and contrasts with Y Garn. The initial ascent of Elidir Fawr at 924m is a challenging 800m uphill walk to its summit. The reward is some of the finest views over the Arfon plain towards Anglesey and the surrounding mountain ranges of northern Snowdonia.
We will pass Marchlyn Mawr reservoir, which is the upper reservoir for Dinorwig Hydro-Electric power station, a pump storage facility hidden inside the mountain.
Water from this lake flows through huge tunnels into the lower reservoir Llyn Peris, which is used to generate electricity at times of peak demand.
The walk is on marked paths with some scree paths but nothing technical, however this is a challenging walk which requires a good degree of fitness to muster the energy to then conquer Y Garn at 947m.
However, all this effort is worth it for some of the most spectacular views of the neighbouring mountains, before a steep gradual descent back to Nant Peris.
*Please note this walk has been marked as difficult due to the nature of the mountainous terrain* You will need a good level of fitness ability for this walk.
Is this your first walk event with OutdoorLads? Great news! Please find more information on this here. http://outdoorlads.com/events/my-first-day-walk
All photos taken by the leader, Ian and permission given for use by OutdoorLads.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Hiking Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch or whatever you prefer
Plenty of snacks such as bananas, dried fruit etc, energy bars
Bring at least two litres of water/juice in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder