Cnicht from Croesor loop
Cnicht from Croesor loop
4.8
(50)
443
hikers
Cnicht from Croesor loop
03:50
11.1km
500m
Hiking
Hike the Cnicht from Croesor loop, a difficult 6.9-mile trail in Snowdonia National Park with scrambling, quarries, and panoramic summit vie
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that may be dangerous
A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
After 2.28 km for 876 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
6 m
Ascent to Cnicht
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Shortly before the summit it almost feels like climbing. Great!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.00 km
View of the Valley from Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.12 km
Cnicht Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
6.79 km
Rhosydd Quarry — Ruins and Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
11.1 km
Cnicht
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
11.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.94 km
2.34 km
850 m
487 m
296 m
241 m
Surfaces
6.02 km
3.30 km
810 m
781 m
241 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 15 May
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to start the Cnicht from Croesor loop?
The trail typically starts from the village of Croesor. Parking options in Croesor are limited, so it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot. Be mindful of local residents when parking.
How challenging is this hike?
The Cnicht from Croesor loop is consistently rated as difficult. It involves steep and tiring sections, including grade 1 scrambling just before the summit. A good level of fitness, sure-footedness, and comfort with heights are recommended. Despite its modest height, the climb feels significant.
What kind of terrain should I expect on the route?
You'll encounter diverse terrain, starting on lanes and dirt tracks from Croesor. The path steepens to rocky and uneven sections, with exposed rock, turf, and bracken. The descent often features mostly grassy trails. Be aware that some parts, especially off the main summit ridge and through old quarry areas, can be indistinct, faint, and boggy, making navigation tougher.
What are the main points of interest along the trail?
The route offers stunning views and historical sites. You'll experience the challenging Ascent to Cnicht, reach the Cnicht Summit for panoramic views, and pass the historical Rhosydd Quarry — Ruins and Waterfall. The View of the Valley from Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri is also a highlight.
When is the best time of year to hike this trail?
Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the best conditions for hiking the Cnicht from Croesor loop. During these seasons, you're more likely to have clearer views and less challenging underfoot conditions. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear and experience due to potential ice, snow, and more severe weather.
Is the Cnicht from Croesor loop dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally welcome on trails in Snowdonia National Park, this particular route includes grade 1 scrambling sections that may be difficult or unsafe for some dogs. Additionally, you may encounter livestock, so dogs should be kept on a lead, especially in farming areas.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for hiking in Snowdonia National Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Cnicht from Croesor loop or other public trails within Snowdonia National Park. However, standard countryside codes of conduct apply, and parking may incur a fee at designated car parks.
Does this route connect with other notable trails?
Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Approximately 62% of the loop follows sections of the Cambrian Way, and about 38% is part of the Snowdonia Slate Trail. You'll also find smaller sections that align with the Former Croesor Tramway and the Rhosydd Tramway.
What should I be aware of regarding navigation and conditions?
The scrambling sections can be particularly challenging when wet, and some parts of the trail, especially off the main summit ridge, can be indistinct and boggy. Always carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS device, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains.
Why is Cnicht known as the 'Welsh Matterhorn'?
Cnicht earned its nickname, the 'Welsh Matterhorn,' due to its distinctive, pointed, and pyramidal shape when viewed from certain angles, particularly from the south-west. This striking profile makes it stand out among the surrounding peaks.
Are there any amenities or places to eat near the trailhead?
The village of Croesor is small and has limited amenities. It's best to bring your own supplies for the hike. For pubs, cafes, or accommodation, you might need to venture to nearby larger villages or towns after your hike.
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Trail Reviews
Access to Croesor can be difficult, a good 11-15min drive to the free car park. Watch out the road is double way
Awesome day out in North Wales with Summit Seekers on the navigation refresher course. We were absolutely blessed with the weather and views from Cnicht. Really Cool and relatively small mountain they call the “Welsh Matterhorn” named after the Matterhorn Mountain in the Alps as it has the same shape. Highly recommend checking out the Nav courses with Summit Seekers and they have some awesome collections and routes on their Komoot profile 🙌 it’s great to see maps and apps working together in the mountains…
A lovely route that sticks mostly to the Cambrian Way path, the green diamond route on your OS map. A short technical scramble will see you summit Cnicht and the views open up. Walking down the spine of this summit you should pass over its secondary 'East Top' before heading gently downhill. With Llyn Yr Adar on your left the path takes a sharp right and you set off across the boggy plateau of endless lakes. Staying high often avoids most of the bog until you reach the abandoned Rhosydd Quarry where you again take a sharp right to follow the path all the way down the valley to Croesor Village. A decent coffee and slice of cake is worth stopping past the Gallery cafe for. We do offer this as a guided route. A fairly good level of navigation is useful for the this route. www.summit-seekers.co.uk
A unique tour that will be remembered for a long time
Another hike today over and around cnicht mountain, it was covered in cloud so pictures not so good. I will definitely be coming back here when visibility is better as it looked stunning , well the bits I could see anyway also had a bit of climbing involved which made it a bit spicy on the wet rocks
Mini-Mountain Adventure ⛰️ This route really packed a punch! Our first mountain together in 2024 😊 We had scrambling, glorious weather and phenomenal views on the way up. Creme eggs at the top of Cnicht 😋 Followed by a boggy track, interesting mining ruins, sea views and a beautiful (but accidental) sunset on the way down the lower slopes of Moelwyn Mawr. We also met some mine divers. 🤠 A really wonderful route (apart from the boggy section!), it is very quiet compared with other mountains in Snowdonia / Eryri. However, it is more challenging than the stats would lead you to believe. We were lucky to have great weather for it. Highly recommended.
In summer there is enough daylight to complete a circular walk over the three main peaks of the Moelwyns: Cnicht, Moelwyn Fawr and Moelwyn Bach. I have done it and it delightful. In winter when the day is short walking over Cnicht but descending a diagonal path across the southern side of Cwm croesor is enough. This is a beautiful circular walk. There are sudden contrasts in terrain. There is a steep ascent to the summit of Cnicht. After Cnicht as we approach a grass boggy plateau the path becomes intisinct. I wouldn't like to walk there if there is mist. We admire the miners' deserted quarry buildings. The quarry operated from 1846 up to 1878. Afterwards we follow the miners' slate trail to descend to the picturesque village of Croesor. In summer there is an open swimming pool.