Eglwyseg Escarpment

12km, estimated 4 hours, total ascent 410m

For those who make their approach to Eryri (Snowdonia) along the A5 there is a moment when it becomes abundantly clear that they have left England behind and have entered a very different land. Road signs display unpronounceable place names , while the valleys become much deeper and the hills much steeper. There is no doubt about it - you are in Wales!

As you pass through the Vale of Llangollen the landscape is heart-achingly beautiful and redolent of the myths, legends and folklore that abound in dragon land. What a shame that few stop and explore beyond a comfort break at the old toll house where Llantysilio Mountain could be mistaken for the Cairngorm foothills. Such is the draw of Eryri, these intensely alluring hills are soon forgotten on the westward journey, but many are the days on which the mighty pea…