Mynydd Mawr

Mynydd Mawr
Mynydd Mawr from Trum y Ddysgl
Highest point
Elevation698 m (2,290 ft)
Prominence462 m (1,516 ft)
Parent peakMoel Hebog
ListingMarilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall
Naming
English translationbig mountain
Language of nameWelsh
PronunciationWelsh: [ˈmənɨð ˈmaur]
Geography
Map
LocationGwynedd, Wales
Parent rangeSnowdonia
OS gridSH539546
Topo mapOS Landranger 115

Mynydd Mawr (Welsh for 'big mountain') is a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales, approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Snowdon itself, overlooking Llyn Cwellyn and being the northern outlier of the Moel Hebog group. A popular ascent starts from Rhyd Ddu. On its western flank are the remains of ancient settlements and field systems. The profile of Mynydd Mawr from the north is often thought to resemble an elephant lying down, and consequently the mountain is often colloquially also called "Yr Eliffant" ('The Elephant'), or "Elephant Mountain" by non-Welsh speakers.[1]

Mynydd Mawr from the north, showing the 'elephant's' head and back

The summit offers extensive views, on a clear day to the west, the views extend to the Llŷn Peninsula and Caernarfon Bay, from the north-west includes Anglesey. To the north lies Moel Eilio and to the east is Moel Hebog and Snowdon. On exceptionally clear days, the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland can be seen westwards across the Irish Sea from the summit.

  1. ^ Nuttall, John; Nuttall, Anne (1999). The Mountains of England & Wales – Volume 1: Wales (2nd ed.). Milnthorpe, Cumbria: Cicerone. ISBN 1-85284-304-7.