TACit Tables
(Hills over 2000 feet with at least 30 metres drop on all sides)
(Hills of any height with at least 150 metres drop on all sides)
First published February 1997 by TACit Press
House 48, 170 Sandiefield Road, Glasgow G5 0DL
ISBN 0 9522680 6 X
Text and maps copyright © Alan Dawson 1997
Illustrations copyright © Chris Tyler 1997
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be republished or redistributed in any other format.
10% of the cover price will be donated to the John Muir Trust to help the purchase and conservation of more wild land.
(Freepost John Muir Trust, Musselburgh, Midlothian EH21 7BR)
Cover illustration of Rhinog Fach: Chris Tyler
Series editor: Dave Hewitt
Printed by: Clydeside Press, 37 High Street, Glasgow Cross, Glasgow G1 ILX
Thanks to ED Clements for helpful comments on several entries in the tables, to Ann and Rowland Bowker for useful contributions to the Notes section, and to Richard Webb for guidance on some of the new Welsh Council Tops.
This is one of a series of booklets aiming to provide definitive lists of hills in Britain and elsewhere. Clearly a lot of people who like climbing hills also like to have lists of them. TACit Tables provide walkers with highly accurate, up-to-date details of hills while being easily affordable and easily replaceable. All heights and grid references in TACit Tables are obtained from the latest large-scale maps. The Ordnance Survey has published large-scale metric maps of almost all of Wales, so future changes should be minimal, but if necessary the lists will be updated.
The details of grid references, heights and drops provide precise measurements of the location and significance of the summits, but convey nothing about distance, topography, terrain or other characteristics of the hills. Maps provide much of this detail, and the tables are intended to be used alongside a map. No attempt is made here to suggest routes or starting points for walks.
A Hewitt is a Hill in England, Wales or Ireland over Two Thousand feet high (610 metres) with a drop of at least 30 metres (98 feet) all round. There are 525 Hewitts in total: 137 in Wales, 178 in England and 211 in Ireland (Black Mountain is in both England and Wales). There is a long tradition of climbing 2000-foot hills in England and Wales, and it is safe to claim that nowhere else in the world can match the amount of attention and analysis given to hills of such modest height. At least seven different publications1 have appeared over the years containing lists of 2000-foot summits of Wales. The addition of this booklet to an apparently overcrowded field can be justified by a number of features which make it original and useful:
Some of the previously published lists are out-of-date and no longer available, notably the widely-used list produced by George Bridge1 in 1973. Currently the most accurate and widely used list is in The Mountains of England and Wales Volume 1: Wales by John and Anne Nuttall. This is a useful guidebook but it includes a very large number of hills, and makes no distinction between major summits and minor tops. Many walkers will feel that by using a more selective list they can climb all the 2000-foot summits without having to visit every one of the lesser tops. The list of Hewitts deliberately includes fewer summits than the Nuttalls by requiring hills to have a drop of at least 30 metres (98 feet) all round. Although this is just as arbitrary as the 15-metre limit which the Nuttalls use, in practice it works well, as almost all the Hewitts are worth visiting in their own right, whereas many of the lesser summits do not warrant a detour from a path or ridge. The inclusion in this booklet of the drop from each summit together with the list of SubHewitts (page 11) makes it easier for walkers to decide for themselves which summits they wish to climb, without feeling obliged to take in every one of the minor tops in a round of all the 2000-foot hills.
Hills are grouped into geographical areas as shown above. The region and section numbers are the same as those used in The Relative Hills of Britain1, which is why the region numbers start at 30. The layout of the list of Hewitts highlights mountains with a drop of over 150 metres (ie Marilyns), which are treated as major summits. Other hills are grouped beneath the relevant major summit, with their names indented. They are listed in order of relative height, so the most significant summits are shown first. Separate groups of hills are kept together. The information is laid out in the following columns:
This column gives the height of the hill above sea level in metres. All Ordnance Survey 1:50000 maps show metric contours and spot heights. The contours are usually very accurate, but the spot heights are not generally as accurate as those on larger scale maps, though some heights are now being updated as the 1:50000 maps are revised. It is not possible to rely entirely on larger scale maps, as some spot heights are omitted from the 1:25000 or 1:10000 maps. In cases where differing heights for the same point are given on different maps, the following order of precedence is generally used: 1:10000; 1:25000; 1:50000. Any exceptions are indicated in the Notes section on pages 23 and 24.
The height in feet is arrived at in all cases simply by multiplying the metric figure by 3.2808 and rounding up or down.
Most names are taken from the relevant 1:50000 map. If a hill is not named on this then the name is taken from a larger scale map. Where a hill has a general name and a summit name, the general name is given in the main list, as this tends to be more commonly used, with summit names referred to in the Notes section. As well as notes for specific summits, the following symbols may be used after the hill name:
* Height taken from 1:25000 map.
** Height taken from 1:50000 map.
° Height taken from the relevant contour ring as no spot height is given on any map.
This column gives the number(s) of the Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 map(s) on which the summit of the hill is to be found.
Each grid reference pinpoints the location of the summit of the hill to within 100 metres. Details of how to use the grid reference are given on all Landranger maps. All grid references have been double-checked for accuracy on 1:10000 maps, using a precise technique (a plastic overlay sheet with 100 small squares per grid square).
This column refers to the relative height of the hill. It shows the height difference (in metres) between the summit and the col connecting the hill to the next higher summit. For some summits this is different to the method used to calculate the drop in earlier TACit Tables. To provide continuity, a second figure is shown in brackets where the alternative method would give a different result.
For example, the drop from Snowdon is given as 1038 (341). This means that there is a drop of 1038 metres from the summit of Snowdon before the ground rises again toward a higher summit. As there is no higher summit in Wales or England, the measurement is derived from the height of a 'col' at NS760781 near Kilsyth in central Scotland, where the ground drops to 47 metres before rising again northwards toward 1165m Stob Binnein (the nearest higher summit). This makes sense mathematically and helps confirm the fact that Snowdon is a significant summit, but it is of no practical value. The (341) refers to the drop between Snowdon and the nearest summit with a 150-metre drop, whether higher or lower. This is Y Lliwedd, and so it means that you have to drop down 341 metres from Snowdon before climbing again to Y Lliwedd. This information is more useful, but feedback from earlier TACit Tables indicated a preference for the drop measurement to refer consistently to a higher summit. In the case of Y Lliwedd itself (and most other summits), the nearest major summit is higher anyway, so the two methods both give a figure of 154m, showing that you have to descend for 154 metres from Y Lliwedd before climbing toward Snowdon.
A more typical example would be Glyder Fawr, where the figure 643 (c 272) indicates that there is a drop of 643 metres to the col connecting Glyder Fawr with Snowdon (the nearest higher summit), but about 272 metres to the col between Glyder Fawr and Tryfan. In this case both measurements may be useful. The second measurement relates to Tryfan rather than Y Garn because the connecting col is higher. The drop from Glyder Fawr to the col connecting it with Y Garn can be calculated by adding the drop figure for Y Garn (236m) to the difference between the height of Glyder Fawr and Y Garn (52m) giving a result of 288m.
A letter c in the drop column means that there is no spot height for the connecting col shown on any metric map, so the drop is estimated from the position of contour lines. It should be accurate to within two or three metres.
The drop figures may be used to calculate how much descent and re-ascent is likely to be involved in climbing two or more hills together, but it is important to note that these figures refer to the minimum possible descent - if the terrain is uneven or there are small intervening summits then the actual descent on the ground will be greater. A map or knowledge of the route may be required for this level of detail.
This column is left blank for you to write the date each hill is climbed, or to enter a retrospective tick. People who disapprove of record-keeping can ignore this column.
Some people argue that climbing hills in order to claim their summits has little to do with the actual experience of hillwalking; that it reduces hillwalking to the sedentary status of stamp collecting or trainspotting. Healthy and harmless but perhaps a little sad and obsessive.
An alternative view is that tables such as in this booklet represent a key, or maybe a door handle. They can help guide you toward your objective just as reliably as any signpost or guidebook. The lists convey more than names and numbers. Every hill is different, every route is different, every day out is worthwhile. Each entry may represent smooth grassy slopes or rough bouldery heather, crags or bogs, sunshine or snow, trees and flowers, birds and rabbits, tumbling streams and shimmering lakes, winding paths and forest tracks.
Sometimes it is easy to forget all this. Lists of hills can help to remind you, for they provide an incentive to get out more often, and guidance about where to go. All you need is a list, a map and a pair of boots. And at the end of the day, you will have more than memories - you will have new dates in your list to remind you where you have been; the icing on the cake. This in itself can be strangely satisfying, providing a sense of achieving something as well as enjoying it. Those who choose to keep records can appreciate and enjoy their walks just as much as anyone else, but their reward is a little greater than for those who are too proud or too principled to bother making a note of which hills they have climbed. After all, enjoyment is temporary but achievement is permanent.
West of River Conwy, A470 and A496 from Conwy to Maentwrog. 50 Hewitts including 20 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
1085 | 3560 | Snowdon 2 | 115 | SH609543 | 1038 | (341) |
1065 | 3494 | Crib y Ddysgl * | 115 | SH610551 | 72 | |
923 | 3028 | Crib Goch | 115 | SH624551 | 65 | |
898 | 2946 | Y Lliwedd | 115 | SH622533 | 154 | |
747 | 2451 | Yr Aran | 115 | SH604515 | c 235 | |
726 | 2382 | Moel Eilio | 115 | SH555577 | 259 | |
629 | 2064 | Foel Gron | 115 | SH560568 | 31 | |
674 | 2211 | Moel Cynghorion | 115 | SH586563 | c 176 | |
1064 | 3491 | Carnedd Llewelyn | 115 | SH683644 | 750 | (c 448) |
1044 | 3425 | Carnedd Dafydd * | 115 | SH663630 | 111 | |
833 | 2733 | Pen yr Helgi Du | 115 | SH698630 | 85 | |
849 | 2785 | Llwytmor | 115 | SH689692 | 73 | |
942 | 3091 | Foel-fras | 115 | SH696681 | 59 | |
962 | 3156 | Yr Elen | 115 | SH673651 | c 57 | |
978 | 3209 | Pen yr Ole Wen | 115 | SH655619 | 45 | |
770 | 2526 | Drum | 115 | SH708695 | c 45 | |
976 | 3202 | Foel Grach | 115 | SH688658 | 40 | |
758 | 2487 | Drosgl | 115 | SH664679 | 37 | |
926 | 3038 | Garnedd Uchaf 3 | 115 | SH687669 | 32 | |
794 | 2605 | Bera Mawr | 115 | SH674682 | c 30 | |
799 | 2621 | Pen Llithrig y Wrach ** | 115 | SH716623 | c 183 | |
678 | 2224 | Creigiau Gleision | 115 | SH729615 | c 262 | |
634 | 2080 | Creigiau Gleision North Top | 115 | SH733622 | 36 | |
610 | 2001 | Tal y Fan | 115 | SH729726 | 186 | |
999 | 3278 | Glyder Fawr | 115 | SH642579 | 643 | (c 272) |
994 | 3261 | Glyder Fach * | 115 | SH656582 | 75 | |
805 | 2641 | Y Foel Goch 4 | 115 | SH677582 | 63 | |
763 | 2503 | Gallt yr Ogof | 115 | SH685585 | 42 | |
947 | 3107 | Y Garn | 115 | SH630595 | 236 | |
831 | 2726 | Foel-goch | 115 | SH628611 | c 76 | |
924 | 3031 | Elidir Fawr 5 * | 115 | SH612613 | c 212 | |
821 | 2694 | Carnedd y Filiast * | 115 | SH620627 | c 76 | |
915 | 3002 | Tryfan 6 | 115 | SH664593 | c 188 | |
872 | 2861 | Moel Siabod | 115 | SH705546 | 595 | (497) |
770 | 2526 | Moelwyn Mawr | 124 | SH658448 | 385 | (c 315) |
710 | 2329 | Moelwyn Bach | 124 | SH660437 | 124 | |
648 | 2126 | Moel-yr-hydd | 115 | SH672454 | 82 | |
698 | 2290 | Allt-fawr | 115 | SH681474 | c 243 | |
689 | 2260 | Cnicht | 115 | SH645466 | c 104 | |
676 | 2218 | Moel Druman | 115 | SH671476 | c 61 | |
672 | 2205 | Ysgafell Wen | 115 | SH667481 | c 57 | |
669 | 2195 | Ysgafell Wen North Top | 115 | SH663485 | c 33 | |
783 | 2569 | Moel Hebog | 115 | SH565469 | 585 | (428) |
655 | 2149 | Moel yr Ogof | 115 | SH556478 | c 118 | |
638 | 2093 | Moel Lefn | 115 | SH553485 | 62 | |
734 | 2408 | Craig Cwm Silyn | 115 | SH525502 | c 398 | (c 229) |
709 | 2326 | Trum y Ddysgl | 115 | SH544516 | c 204 | |
695 | 2280 | Mynydd Drws-y-coed | 115 | SH548518 | 57 | |
653 | 2142 | Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd | 115 | SH535514 | 51 | |
698 | 2290 | Mynydd Mawr * | 115 | SH539546 | 462 |
North-west of A494 from Dolgellau to the A5. 17 Hewitts including 11 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
854 | 2802 | Arenig Fawr | 124,125 | SH827369 | 479 | (c 309) |
751 | 2464 | Moel Llyfnant | 124,125 | SH808351 | c 206 | |
619 | 2031 | Gallt y Daren | 124 | SH778344 | 113 | |
734 | 2408 | Rhobell Fawr | 124 | SH786256 | c 309 | |
662 | 2172 | Dduallt | 124,125 | SH810273 | c 138 | |
689 | 2260 | Arenig Fach | 124,125 | SH820415 | c 294 | |
669 | 2195 | Carnedd y Filiast | 124,125 | SH871445 | c 315 | |
661 | 2169 | Manod Mawr 5 | 124 | SH723446 | c 266 | |
623 | 2044 | Moel Penamnen ** | 115 | SH716483 | c 133 | |
658 | 2159 | Manod Mawr North Top 5 | 115 | SH727458 | c 65 | |
611 | 2005 | Foel Goch | 125 | SH953422 | 274 | |
756 | 2480 | Y Llethr | 124 | SH661258 | c 561 | (c 401) |
750 | 2461 | Diffwys | 124 | SH661234 | 148 | |
712 | 2336 | Rhinog Fach | 124 | SH664270 | c 147 | |
720 | 2362 | Rhinog Fawr | 124 | SH656290 | c 363 | (c 285) |
629 | 2064 | Y Garn ** | 124 | SH702230 | c 315 | |
623 | 2044 | Moel Ysgyfarnogod | 124 | SH658345 | c 180 |
South of A494 and A5 from Dolgellau to the English border. 24 Hewitts including 5 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
905 | 2969 | Aran Fawddwy | 124,125 | SH862223 | 670 | (c 338) |
689 | 2260 | Foel Hafod-fynydd | 124,125 | SH877227 | c 84 | |
885 | 2904 | Aran Benllyn | 124,125 | SH867242 | c 50 | |
620 | 2034 | Pen yr Allt Uchaf ° | 124,125 | SH871197 | c 49 | |
685 | 2247 | Gwaun y Llwyni | 124,125 | SH857204 | 43 | |
872 | 2861 | Erw y Ddafad-ddu | 124,125 | SH864233 | c 37 | |
780 | 2559 | Glasgwm | 124,125 | SH836194 | c 213 | |
685 | 2247 | Pen y Brynfforchog 7 | 124,125 | SH817179 | 71 | |
671 | 2201 | Esgeiriau Gwynion 8 | 124,125 | SH889236 | c 166 | |
626 | 2054 | Foel y Geifr | 125 | SH937275 | 110 | |
625 | 2051 | Moel y Cerrig Duon | 125 | SH923241 | 80 | |
613 | 2011 | Foel Goch | 125 | SH943290 | 46 | |
614 | 2014 | Llechwedd Du | 124,125 | SH894224 | c 32 | |
830 | 2723 | Cadair Berwyn 9 | 125 | SJ071323 | 344 | |
630 | 2067 | Moel Fferna | 125 | SJ116397 | 105 | |
785 | 2575 | Cadair Bronwen | 125 | SJ077346 | c 73 | |
665 | 2182 | Post Gwyn | 125 | SJ047294 | c 60 | |
691 | 2267 | Foel Wen | 125 | SJ099334 | 58 | |
681 | 2234 | Mynydd Tarw | 125 | SJ112324 | 45 | |
621 | 2037 | Moel yr Henfaes 10 | 125 | SJ089369 | c 35 | |
827 | 2713 | Moel Sych | 125 | SJ066318 | c 32 | |
667 | 2188 | Cyrniau Nod | 125 | SH988279 | 179 | |
648 | 2126 | Foel Cwm Sian Llwyd | 125 | SH995313 | 57 | |
646 | 2119 | Pen y Boncyn Trefeilw | 125 | SH962283 | 57 |
West of A470 and River Dyfi from Dolgellau to Machynlleth. 12 Hewitts including 4 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
893 | 2930 | Cadair Idris 11 | 124 | SH711130 | 608 | |
622 | 2041 | Craig-y-llyn | 124 | SH665119 | c 136 | |
661 | 2169 | Tyrrau Mawr 12 | 124 | SH677135 | c 103 | |
791 | 2595 | Craig Cwm Amarch 13 | 124 | SH710121 | 79 | |
863 | 2831 | Mynydd Moel | 124 | SH727136 | 67 | |
811 | 2661 | Cyfrwy | 124 | SH703133 | c 36 | |
683 | 2241 | Gau Graig | 124 | SH744141 | c 30 | |
674 | 2211 | Maesglase 14 | 124,125 | SH822151 | 311 | |
670 | 2198 | Waun-oer | 124 | SH785147 | c 119 | |
659 | 2162 | Cribin Fawr | 124 | SH794153 | 93 | |
667 | 2188 | Tarren y Gesail | 124 | SH710059 | 463 | (232) |
634 | 2080 | Tarrenhendre | 135 | SH682041 | 199 |
North of River Rheidol, A44, A470 and River Severn from Aberystwyth to Welshpool.
4 Hewitts including 1 Marilyn.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
752 | 2467 | Plynlimon 15 | 135 | SN789869 | 524 | (335) |
741 | 2431 | Pen Pumlumon Arwystli | 135,136 | SN815877 | 64 | |
684 | 2244 | Y Garn | 135 | SN775851 | 56 | |
727 | 2385 | Plynlimon East Top | 135 | SN799871 | 36 |
East of River Severn, A470 and River Wye from Welshpool to Hay-on-Wye.
3 Hewitts including 1 Marilyn.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
660 | 2165 | Great Rhos | 148 | SO182639 | c 373 | (c 279) |
650 | 2133 | Black Mixen | 148 | SO196643 | 45 | |
610 | 2001 | Bache Hill | 137,148 | SO213636 | 41 |
South and west of River Rheidol, A44 and A470 from Aberystwyth to Builth Wells.
3 Hewitts including 2 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
641 | 2103 | Drygarn Fawr 16 | 147 | SN862583 | c 254 | (c 215) |
613 | 2011 | Gorllwyn | 147 | SN917590 | 88 | |
610 | 2001 | Pen y Garn | 135,147 | SN798770 | 193 |
East of A4069 and north of county boundary, A465 and A40 from Llandovery to Monmouth. 24 Hewitts including 9 Marilyns.
Brecon Beacons:
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
886 | 2907 | Pen y Fan | 160 | SO012215 | c 671 | (287) |
795 | 2608 | Cribyn | 160 | SO023213 | 130 | |
769 | 2523 | Waun Rydd | 160 | SO062206 | 170 | |
719 | 2359 | Fan y Big | 160 | SO036206 | 30 | |
617 | 2024 | Cefn yr Ystrad 5 | 160 | SO086137 | 178 | |
802 | 2631 | Fan Brycheiniog | 160 | SN825217 | c 423 | |
616 | 2021 | Garreg Lwyd 17 | 160 | SN740179 | 104 | |
749 | 2457 | Bannau Sir Gaer 18 | 160 | SN811218 | 93 | |
635 | 2083 | Garreg Las 19 | 160 | SN777203 | 92 | |
761 | 2497 | Fan Hir | 160 | SN830209 | 43 | |
734 | 2408 | Fan Fawr | 160 | SN969193 | 295 | (289) |
632 | 2073 | Fan Llia | 160 | SN938186 | 99 | |
629 | 2064 | Fan Frynych | 160 | SN958227 | 74 | |
629 | 2064 | Craig Cerrig-gleisiad | 160 | SN960217 | 49 | |
725 | 2379 | Fan Gyhirych | 160 | SN880190 | 280 | (236) |
663 | 2175 | Fan Nedd | 160 | SN913184 | 174 |
Black Mountains:
811 | 2661 | Waun Fach ** | 161 | SO215300 | 622 | (262) |
720 | 2362 | Pen Allt-mawr | 161 | SO206243 | 102 | |
690 | 2264 | Twmpa 20 ** | 161 | SO224350 | 79 | |
679 | 2228 | Chwarel y Fan ** | 161 | SO259293 | 72 | |
701 | 2300 | Pen Cerrig-calch * | 161 | SO217223 | 52 | |
800 | 2625 | Pen y Gadair Fawr | 161 | SO229287 | 47 | |
663 | 2175 | Mynydd Llysiau | 161 | SO207279 | 40 | |
703 | 2306 | Black Mountain 21 ** | 161 | SO255350 | 154 |
The first person recorded as having climbed all the Welsh 2000-foot summits was Edward Moss1 who completed the list on 22nd July 1951. The second person was ED Clements, compiler of The Hewitts and Marilyns of Ireland, who finished on 30th May 1953, though it was not until 17th September 1991 that he added Pen y Brynfforchog7, which was not in the original list. The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) keeps a register of all those who have climbed the two-thousand foot summits of England and Wales or of Ireland. To register, send an A5 SAE to Alan Castle (TT), Glebe House, Ravenstone, Olney, Buckinghamshire MK46 5AR and ask for a claim form. The LDWA do not record details of Welsh ascents only.
These are the top twenty Welsh Hewitts in terms of height above sea level.
Sect | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
30B | 1085 | 3560 | Snowdon | 115 | SH609543 | 1038 | (341) |
30B | 1065 | 3494 | Crib y Ddysgl | 115 | SH610551 | 72 | |
30B | 1064 | 3491 | Carnedd Llewelyn | 115 | SH683644 | 750 | (c 448) |
30B | 1044 | 3425 | Carnedd Dafydd | 115 | SH663630 | 111 | |
30B | 999 | 3278 | Glyder Fawr | 115 | SH642579 | 643 | (c 272) |
30B | 994 | 3261 | Glyder Fach | 115 | SH656582 | 75 | |
30B | 978 | 3209 | Pen yr Ole Wen | 115 | SH655619 | 45 | |
30B | 976 | 3202 | Foel Grach | 115 | SH688658 | 40 | |
30B | 962 | 3156 | Yr Elen | 115 | SH673651 | c 57 | |
30B | 947 | 3107 | Y Garn | 115 | SH630595 | 236 | |
30B | 942 | 3091 | Foel-fras | 115 | SH696681 | 59 | |
30B | 926 | 3038 | Garnedd Uchaf | 115 | SH687669 | 32 | |
30B | 924 | 3031 | Elidir Fawr | 115 | SH612613 | c 212 | |
30B | 923 | 3028 | Crib Goch | 115 | SH624551 | 65 | |
30B | 915 | 3002 | Tryfan | 115 | SH664593 | c 188 | |
30E | 905 | 2969 | Aran Fawddwy | 124,125 | SH862223 | 670 | (c 338) |
30B | 898 | 2946 | Y Lliwedd | 115 | SH622533 | 154 | |
30F | 893 | 2930 | Cadair Idris | 124 | SH711130 | 608 | |
32A | 886 | 2907 | Pen y Fan | 160 | SO012215 | c 671 | (287) |
30E | 885 | 2904 | Aran Benllyn | 124,125 | SH867242 | c 50 |
These are the top twenty Welsh Hewitts in terms of relative height, ie they have the greatest drop. They may therefore be regarded as the highest points of the twenty main hill ranges in Wales.
30B | 1085 | 3560 | Snowdon | 115 | SH609543 | 1038 | (341) |
30B | 1064 | 3491 | Carnedd Llewelyn | 115 | SH683644 | 750 | (c 448) |
32A | 886 | 2907 | Pen y Fan | 160 | SO012215 | c 671 | (287) |
30E | 905 | 2969 | Aran Fawddwy | 124,125 | SH862223 | 670 | (c 338) |
30B | 999 | 3278 | Glyder Fawr | 115 | SH642579 | 643 | (c 272) |
32A | 811 | 2661 | Waun Fach | 161 | SO215300 | 622 | (262) |
30F | 893 | 2930 | Cadair Idris | 124 | SH711130 | 608 | |
30B | 872 | 2861 | Moel Siabod | 115 | SH705546 | 595 | (497) |
30B | 783 | 2569 | Moel Hebog | 115 | SH565469 | 585 | (428) |
30D | 756 | 2480 | Y Llethr | 124 | SH661258 | c 561 | (c 401) |
31A | 752 | 2467 | Plynlimon | 135 | SN789869 | 524 | (335) |
30D | 854 | 2802 | Arenig Fawr | 124,125 | SH827369 | 479 | (c 309) |
30F | 667 | 2188 | Tarren y Gesail | 124 | SH710059 | 463 | (232) |
30B | 698 | 2290 | Mynydd Mawr | 115 | SH539546 | 462 | |
32A | 802 | 2631 | Fan Brycheiniog | 160 | SN825217 | c 423 | |
30B | 734 | 2408 | Craig Cwm Silyn | 115 | SH525502 | c 398 | (c 229) |
30B | 770 | 2526 | Moelwyn Mawr | 124 | SH658448 | 385 | (c 315) |
31B | 660 | 2165 | Great Rhos | 148 | SO182639 | c 373 | (c 279) |
30D | 720 | 2362 | Rhinog Fawr | 124 | SH656290 | c 363 | (c 285) |
30E | 830 | 2723 | Cadair Berwyn | 125 | SJ071323 | 344 |
The following 15 hills miss out on being Hewitts by less than ten metres in height. Where relevant the name of the major summit in the same hill group is shown in brackets.
Sect | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop |
32A | 609 | 1998 | Mynydd Troed | 161 | SO165292 | 286 |
30B | 609 | 1998 | Mynydd Graig Goch (Craig Cwm Silyn) | 115,123 | SH497485 | c 71 |
30B | 609 | 1998 | Craig Fach (Snowdon) | 115 | SH634552 | 40 |
30E | 608 | 1995 | Glan-hafon (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ078274 | 84 |
30B | 607 | 1991 | Moel Meirch (Allt-fawr) * | 115 | SH661503 | c 56 |
30E | 606 | 1988 | Cefn Coch (Esgeiriau Gwynion) 22 | 125 | SH918257 | 47 |
30B | 605 | 1985 | Foel Goch (Moel Eilio) | 115 | SH570563 | 92 |
30F | 605 | 1985 | Craig Portas (Maesglase) | 124,125 | SH801141 | c 53 |
31C | 604 | 1982 | Y Gamriw (Drygarn Fawr) | 147 | SN944611 | 49 |
32A | 604 | 1982 | Yr Allt (Fan Gyhirych) | 160 | SN905200 | c 40 |
30E | 604 | 1982 | Moel yr Henfaes East Top (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ099373 | c 32 |
30B | 603 | 1978 | Foel Lwyd (Tal y Fan) | 115 | SH720723 | c 54 |
32A | 602 | 1975 | Foel Fraith (Fan Brycheiniog) | 160 | SN756183 | c 77 |
30E | 602 | 1975 | Y Gribin (Glasgwm) | 124,125 | SH843177 | 35 |
32C | 600 | 1968 | Craig y Llyn 23 | 170 | SN906031 | 392 |
The following 25 hills miss out on being Hewitts by less than ten metres of relative height. Hills are grouped in sections and the name of the major summit in the same hill group is shown in brackets.
30B | 623 | 2044 | Pen y Castell (Carnedd Llewelyn) | 115 | SH721688 | 29 |
30B | 807 | 2648 | Bera Bach (Carnedd Llewelyn) | 115 | SH672677 | c 21 |
30B | 735 | 2411 | Craig Eigiau (Carnedd Llewelyn) | 115 | SH713654 | c 20 |
30B | 700 | 2297 | Garnedd-goch (Craig Cwm Silyn) * | 115 | SH511495 | c 25 |
30B | 619 | 2031 | Gallt yr Wenallt (Y Lliwedd) | 115 | SH642532 | 24 |
30B | 689 | 2260 | Craigysgafn (Moelwyn Mawr) | 124 | SH659443 | c 24 |
30B | 718 | 2356 | Llechog (Snowdon) | 115 | SH606567 | c 23 |
30B | 633 | 2077 | Y Garn (Trum y Ddysgl) | 115 | SH551526 | c 21 |
30B | 812 | 2664 | Mynydd Perfedd (Elidir Fawr) * | 115 | SH623619 | c 20 |
30B | 623 | 2044 | Craiglwyn (Creigiau Gleision) 24 | 115 | SH730608 | c 20 |
30D | 614 | 2014 | Foel Penolau (Moel Ysgyfarnogod) | 124 | SH661348 | 26 |
30D | 643 | 2110 | Llechwedd-llyfn (Carnedd y Filiast) 25 | 124,125 | SH857446 | 25 |
30D | 642 | 2106 | Diffwys West Top (Y Llethr) | 124 | SH648229 | 21 |
30E | 615 | 2018 | Cefn Gwyntog (Cyrniau Nod) | 125 | SH976265 | 27 |
30E | 630 | 2067 | Stac Rhos (Cyrniau Nod) ° | 125 | SH968278 | 25 |
30E | 612 | 2008 | Trum y Gwrgedd (Esgeiriau Gwynion) 26 | 125 | SH941284 | c 26 |
30E | 679 | 2228 | Godor (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ094307 | 25 |
30E | 695 | 2280 | Moel yr Ewig (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ080317 | 24 |
30E | 687 | 2254 | Foel Wen South Top (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ102330 | 21 |
30E | 742 | 2434 | Tomle (Cadair Berwyn) | 125 | SJ085335 | c 21 |
32A | 873 | 2864 | Corn Du (Pen y Fan) | 160 | SO007213 | 28 |
32A | 619 | 2031 | Y Gyrn (Pen y Fan) | 160 | SN988216 | c 24 |
32A | 654 | 2146 | Allt Lwyd (Waun Rydd) | 160 | SO078189 | 28 |
32A | 713 | 2339 | Rhos Dirion (Waun Fach) 27 | 161 | SO211334 | 22 |
32A | 646 | 2119 | Pen Twyn Glas (Waun Fach) | 161 | SO213257 | c 21 |
A further 20 Welsh summits with a drop of 15-19 metres are listed in the Nuttalls' book1.
A Marilyn is any hill that has a drop of at least 150 metres (492 feet) on all sides, regardless of distance, absolute height or topographical merit. The list of all Marilyns in Britain is published in The Relative Hills of Britain (Alan Dawson, Cicerone Press, 1992). Since this book was published a number of new Marilyns have been discovered, and some original ones deleted. Details of these amendments are published in an update sheet which is now distributed with the book and is available separately from the author or publisher.
There are currently 1549 Marilyns in Britain: 1213 in Scotland, 176 in England, 156 in Wales and five in the Isle of Man (Black Mountain is in both England and Wales). There are a further 455 Marilyns in Ireland. The list of Welsh Marilyns published here is in most respects the same as that in The Relative Hills of Britain but with the following important differences:
-- As well as the height above sea level (absolute height), the list shows the drop from each hill (relative height), as explained on pages 3 and 4.
-- Details of heights and grid references have been double-checked for accuracy on 1:10000 scale maps and updated where necessary. Where different heights are given on different scales of map, the 1:10000 or 1:25000 scale maps are used, as the 1:50000 maps are generally less accurate for spot heights. Several hills have therefore gained or lost a metre or two.
-- The following recently discovered Welsh Marilyns are included:
Section | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop |
30C | 389 | 1275 | Mynydd Rhyd ddu | 116 | SJ054477 | 165 |
30F | 321 | 1053 | Craig y Castell | 124 | SH698162 | 153 |
31A | 507 | 1663 | Disgwylfa Fawr | 135 | SN737847 | c 152 |
31B | 460 | 1509 | Cefn Cenarth | 136 | SN969762 | 155 |
31C | 466 | 1529 | Carn Gafallt | 136,147 | SN940646 | 157 |
32C | 258 | 846 | Mynydd Dinas | 170 | SS760915 | c 152 |
-- Three hills have been renamed: Yr Arwydd to Mynydd Bodafon (Section 30A), Foel Rhudd to Esgeiriau Gwynion (Section 30E), and Edmund's Tump to Graig Syfyrddin (Section 32A).
-- The summit of Bryn Arw (Section 32A) has moved about a kilometre to the north.
Hills are listed in height order within each section. Details given are the same as for the Hewitts. Fifty-three Welsh Marilyns are over 2000 feet high and are also Hewitts so are listed twice in this booklet. Most of the remaining 103 Marilyns below 2000 feet can provide enjoyable walks, and are a good alternative in poor weather when the higher summits are obscured by mist. The smaller hills are also ideal for filling in an odd hour or half day, or for exploring during busy holiday periods when the bigger hills and more popular routes tend to become crowded.
West of A487 from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, plus Anglesey, Holy Island and Bardsey Island.
10 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
564 | 1850 | Yr Eifl | 123 | SH364447 | c 433 | (427) |
522 | 1713 | Gyrn Ddu | 115,123 | SH401467 | 385 | |
371 | 1217 | Carn Fadryn | 123 | SH278351 | 343 | (c 293) |
304 | 997 | Mynydd Rhiw | 123 | SH228293 | c 240 | |
279 | 915 | Garn Boduan | 123 | SH312393 | c 172 | |
263 | 863 | Moel-y-gest 28 | 124 | SH549388 | 236 | |
235 | 771 | Carneddol | 123 | SH301331 | c 157 | |
220 | 722 | Holyhead Mountain (Holy Island) * | 114 | SH218829 | 220 | |
178 | 584 | Mynydd Bodafon (Anglesey) 29 | 114 | SH472854 | 178 | |
167 | 548 | Mynydd Enlli (Bardsey Island) | 123 | SH122218 | 167 |
West of River Conwy, A470 and A496 from Conwy to Maentwrog. 22 Marilyns including 20 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
1085 | 3560 | Snowdon 2 | 115 | SH609543 | 1038 | (341) |
1064 | 3491 | Carnedd Llewelyn | 115 | SH683644 | 750 | (c 449) |
999 | 3278 | Glyder Fawr | 115 | SH642579 | 643 | (c 272) |
947 | 3107 | Y Garn | 115 | SH630595 | 236 | |
924 | 3031 | Elidir Fawr 5 * | 115 | SH612613 | c 212 | |
915 | 3002 | Tryfan 6 | 115 | SH664593 | c 188 | |
898 | 2946 | Y Lliwedd | 115 | SH622533 | 154 | |
872 | 2861 | Moel Siabod | 115 | SH705546 | 595 | (497) |
799 | 2621 | Pen Llithrig y Wrach ** | 115 | SH716623 | c 181 | |
783 | 2569 | Moel Hebog | 115 | SH565469 | 585 | (428) |
770 | 2526 | Moelwyn Mawr | 124 | SH658448 | 385 | (c 315) |
747 | 2451 | Yr Aran | 115 | SH604515 | c 235 | |
734 | 2408 | Craig Cwm Silyn | 115 | SH525502 | c 398 | (c 229) |
726 | 2382 | Moel Eilio | 115 | SH555577 | 259 | |
709 | 2326 | Trum y Ddysgl | 115 | SH544516 | c 204 | |
698 | 2290 | Mynydd Mawr * | 115 | SH539546 | 462 | |
698 | 2290 | Allt-fawr | 115 | SH681474 | c 243 | |
678 | 2224 | Creigiau Gleision | 115 | SH729615 | c 262 | |
674 | 2211 | Moel Cynghorion | 115 | SH586563 | c 176 | |
610 | 2001 | Tal y Fan | 115 | SH729726 | c 186 | |
553 | 1814 | Moel-ddu | 124 | SH579442 | 198 | |
382 | 1253 | Moel y Dyniewyd | 115 | SH612477 | 208 |
North of A5 from Betws-y-Coed to the English border. 10 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
577 | 1893 | Moel y Gamelin | 116 | SJ176465 | c 382 | (c 174) |
565 | 1854 | Cyrn-y-Brain | 117 | SJ208488 | c 162 | |
555 | 1821 | Moel Famau | 116 | SJ161626 | c 272 | (197) |
532 | 1745 | Mwdwl-eithin | 116 | SH917540 | 265 | |
511 | 1676 | Foel Fenlli | 116 | SJ164600 | 153 | |
467 | 1532 | Moel Gyw | 116 | SJ171575 | 181 | |
440 | 1444 | Penycloddiau * | 116 | SJ127678 | c 156 | |
389 | 1276 | Mynydd Rhyd ddu 30 | 116 | SJ054477 | 165 | |
330 | 1083 | Hope Mountain | 117 | SJ294568 | 189 | |
207 | 679 | Great Orme 31 | 115 | SH767833 | 201 |
North-west of A494 from Dolgellau to the A5. 14 Marilyns including 11 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
854 | 2802 | Arenig Fawr | 124,125 | SH827369 | 479 | (c 309) |
756 | 2480 | Y Llethr | 124 | SH661258 | c 561 | (c 401) |
751 | 2464 | Moel Llyfnant | 124,125 | SH808351 | c 206 | |
734 | 2408 | Rhobell Fawr | 124 | SH786256 | c 309 | |
720 | 2362 | Rhinog Fawr | 124 | SH656290 | c 363 | (c 285) |
689 | 2260 | Arenig Fach | 124,125 | SH820415 | c 294 | |
669 | 2195 | Carnedd y Filiast | 124,125 | SH871445 | c 315 | |
661 | 2169 | Manod Mawr 5 | 124 | SH723446 | c 266 | |
629 | 2064 | Y Garn ** | 124 | SH702230 | c 315 | |
623 | 2044 | Moel Ysgyfarnogod | 124 | SH658345 | c 180 | |
611 | 2005 | Foel Goch | 125 | SH953422 | 274 | |
589 | 1932 | Moelfre ** | 124 | SH626246 | 162 | |
539 | 1768 | Mynydd Nodol | 124,125 | SH865393 | 168 | |
405 | 1329 | Foel Offrwm | 124 | SH749209 | 236 |
South of A494 and A5 from Dolgellau to the English border. 10 Marilyns including 5 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
905 | 2969 | Aran Fawddwy | 124,125 | SH862223 | 670 | (c 338) |
830 | 2723 | Cadair Berwyn 9 | 125 | SJ071323 | 344 | |
780 | 2559 | Glasgwm | 124,125 | SH836194 | c 213 | |
671 | 2201 | Esgeiriau Gwynion 8 | 124,125 | SH889236 | c 166 | |
667 | 2188 | Cyrniau Nod | 125 | SH988279 | 179 | |
540 | 1772 | Rhialgwm | 125 | SJ055211 | c 225 | |
523 | 1716 | Gyrn Moelfre * | 125 | SJ184293 | c 237 | |
356 | 1168 | Allt y Main | 125 | SJ162151 | c 171 | |
341 | 1119 | Mynydd-y-briw | 125 | SJ173260 | 165 | |
341 | 1119 | Y Golfa 32 | 125 | SJ182070 | c 165 |
West of A470 and River Dyfi from Dolgellau to Machynlleth. 9 Marilyns including 4 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
893 | 2930 | Cadair Idris 11 | 124 | SH711130 | 608 | |
674 | 2211 | Maesglase 14 | 124,125 | SH822151 | 311 | |
667 | 2188 | Tarren y Gesail | 124 | SH710059 | 463 | (232) |
634 | 2080 | Tarrenhendre | 135 | SH682041 | 199 | |
469 | 1539 | Mynydd Cwmcelli | 124,125 | SH804099 | 157 | |
380 | 1247 | Foel Cae'rberllan | 124 | SH676082 | 211 | |
321 | 1053 | Craig y Castell 30 | 124 | SH697161 | 153 | |
313 | 1027 | Ffridd Cocyn | 135 | SH624042 | c 247 | (231) |
288 | 945 | Gamallt | 124 | SH665067 | 206 |
North of River Rheidol, A44, A470 and River Severn from Aberystwyth to Welshpool. 11 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
752 | 2467 | Plynlimon 15 | 135 | SN789869 | 524 | (335) |
560 | 1837 | Banc Llechwedd-mawr | 135 | SN775898 | 161 | |
550 | 1804 | Drosgol | 135 | SN759878 | c 195 | |
523 | 1716 | Carnedd Wen | 125 | SH924099 | c 228 | |
507 | 1663 | Disgwylfa Fawr 30 | 135 | SN737847 | c 152 | |
488 | 1601 | Bryn Amlwg 33 | 136 | SN921973 | 170 | |
485 | 1591 | Garreg-hir | 136 | SN998977 | 151 | |
482 | 1581 | Bryn y Fan | 136 | SN931885 | c 177 | |
464 | 1522 | Esgair Ddu 33 | 124,125 | SH873106 | 222 | |
358 | 1175 | Stingwern Hill | 136 | SJ132014 | c 180 | |
352 | 1155 | Upper Park | 125 | SJ188052 | c 174 |
East of River Severn, A470 and River Wye from Welshpool to Hay-on-Wye. 15 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
660 | 2165 | Great Rhos | 148 | SO182639 | c 373 | (c 279) |
586 | 1923 | Pegwn Mawr 33 * | 136 | SO023812 | 300 | (213) |
547 | 1795 | Beacon Hill | 136,148 | SO176767 | 174 | |
542 | 1778 | Gwaunceste Hill | 148 | SO158555 | c 161 | |
513 | 1683 | Corndon Hill | 137 | SO306969 | 201 | |
499 | 1637 | Garreg Lwyd | 136,147 | SN942733 | 206 | (194) |
477 | 1565 | Gwastedyn Hill 34 | 136,147 | SN986661 | c 242 | |
460 | 1509 | Cefn Cenarth 30 | 136 | SN969762 | 155 | |
451 | 1480 | Aberedw Hill 35 | 147 | SO084507 | 227 | |
445 | 1460 | Carneddau | 147 | SO069551 | c 206 | |
442 | 1450 | Rhiw Gwraidd 36 | 147 | SO009633 | c 214 | |
415 | 1362 | The Begwns | 148,161 | SO155444 | 157 | |
408 | 1339 | Long Mountain 37 | 126 | SJ264058 | 305 | (266) |
403 | 1322 | Moel y Golfa | 126 | SJ290125 | 261 | |
355 | 1165 | Caeliber Isaf ° | 137 | SO211933 | 172 |
South and west of River Rheidol, A44 and A470 from Aberystwyth to Builth Wells. 14 Marilyns including 2 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
641 | 2103 | Drygarn Fawr 16 | 147 | SN862583 | c 254 | (c 215) |
610 | 2001 | Pen y Garn | 135,147 | SN798770 | 193 | |
594 | 1949 | Waun Claerddu | 135,147 | SN790704 | c 168 | |
536 | 1759 | Foel Cwmcerwyn 38 | 145 | SN094311 | 344 | (318) |
487 | 1598 | Pen y Garn-goch | 147 | SN884502 | c 162 | |
466 | 1529 | Carn Gafallt 30 | 147 | SN940646 | 157 | |
462 | 1516 | Crugiau Merched | 147 | SN722455 | 205 | |
395 | 1296 | Frenni Fawr | 145 | SN203349 | 177 | |
361 | 1184 | Hafod Ithel | 135 | SN610677 | 155 | |
346 | 1135 | Mynydd Carningli | 145 | SN062372 | 232 | |
329 | 1079 | Mynydd Cynros | 146 | SN620326 | c 221 | |
327 | 1073 | Rhos Ymryson 39 | 146 | SN459500 | 164 | |
326 | 1070 | Pen-crug-melyn | 146 | SN502285 | 184 | |
205 | 673 | Brandy Hill 40 | 158 | SN213133 | c 151 |
East of A4069 and north of county boundary, A465 and A40 from Llandovery to Monmouth.
19 Marilyns including 9 Hewitts.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
886 | 2907 | Pen y Fan | 160 | SO012215 | c 671 | (287) |
811 | 2661 | Waun Fach ** | 161 | SO215300 | 622 | (262) |
802 | 2631 | Fan Brycheiniog | 160 | SN825217 | c 423 | |
769 | 2523 | Waun Rydd | 160 | SO062206 | 170 | |
734 | 2408 | Fan Fawr | 160 | SN969193 | 295 | (289) |
725 | 2379 | Fan Gyhirych | 160 | SN880190 | 280 | (236) |
703 | 2306 | Black Mountain 21 ** | 161 | SO255350 | 154 | |
663 | 2175 | Fan Nedd | 160 | SN913184 | 174 | |
617 | 2024 | Cefn yr Ystrad 5 | 160 | SO086137 | 178 | |
609 | 1998 | Mynydd Troed | 161 | SO165292 | 286 | (255) |
596 | 1955 | Sugar Loaf 41 | 161 | SO272187 | 413 | (c 368) |
551 | 1808 | Tor y Foel | 161 | SO114194 | 157 | |
515 | 1690 | Mynydd Llangorse | 161 | SO159266 | 161 | |
486 | 1594 | Ysgyryd Fawr 42 | 161 | SO331182 | 344 | (298) |
478 | 1568 | Mynydd Eppynt 43 | 147 | SN961464 | c 199 | |
423 | 1388 | Graig Syfyrddin 44 | 161 | SO403210 | 235 | |
393 | 1289 | Allt yr Esgair | 161 | SO126243 | c 205 | |
384 | 1260 | Bryn Arw 45 | 161 | SO301206 | c 156 | |
292 | 958 | Myarth | 161 | SO170208 | 164 |
West of A4069, county boundary and River Neath from Llangadog to Neath. 9 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
481 | 1578 | Hirfynydd | 160 | SN839076 | c 246 | |
418 | 1371 | Mynydd Marchywel | 170 | SN768037 | 263 | |
415 | 1362 | Trichrug | 160 | SN698229 | 191 | |
373 | 1224 | Mynydd y Betws 46 | 159 | SN665095 | 205 | |
357 | 1171 | Mynydd Uchaf | 160 | SN715103 | c 182 | |
338 | 1109 | Mynydd Allt-y-grug | 160 | SN750079 | c 190 | |
284 | 932 | Mynydd Sylen | 159 | SN515080 | 209 | (c 192) |
272 | 892 | Mynydd Drumau | 170 | SN725001 | 171 | |
262 | 860 | Mynydd Llangyndeyrn | 159 | SN482132 | c 170 |
South of River Neath, A465 and A40 from Neath to Monmouth. 13 Marilyns.
Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop |
600 | 1968 | Craig y Llyn 23 | 170 | SN906031 | 392 |
578 | 1896 | Coety Mountain 47 | 161 | SO231079 | c 231 |
550 | 1804 | Mynydd Carn-y-cefn | 161 | SO187084 | 176 |
472 | 1549 | Mynydd Twyn-glas | 171 | ST259978 | 253 |
382 | 1253 | Cefn Eglwysilan | 171 | ST097905 | 235 |
381 | 1250 | Mynydd y Lan * | 171 | ST208923 | 215 |
377 | 1237 | Mynydd y Glyn | 170 | ST031896 | c 182 |
370 | 1214 | Foel Fynyddau | 170 | SS782936 | c 222 |
362 | 1188 | Mynydd Machen * | 171 | ST223900 | 185 |
309 | 1014 | Wentwood | 171,172 | ST411943 | 240 |
307 | 1007 | Garth Hill | 171 | ST103835 | 211 |
273 | 896 | Craig yr Allt | 171 | ST133850 | c 154 |
258 | 846 | Mynydd Dinas 30 | 170 | SS760915 | c 152 |
The first person to climb all the Welsh Marilyns was Rowland Bowker of Portinscale in Cumbria, who climbed his last 22 Welsh Marilyns in a single week, completing the list with Coety Mountain on 11th January 1996. The second person was his wife Ann Bowker, who finished in more leisurely fashion with Mwdwl-eithin on 1st October 1996. Others are known to be pursuing them.
Anyone who has climbed all the Welsh Marilyns, or has an overall total of over 600 Marilyns, is eligible for a place in the Marilyn Hall of Fame. To stake a claim, first climb the hills then contact the author via TACit Press.
As the highest 53 Welsh Marilyns are all Hewitts, there is little point in listing them again here. Instead, both lists below are limited to those Marilyns below 2000 feet high.
These are the highest 29 Welsh Marilyns under 2000 feet, ie all those between 500 and 610 metres.
Sect | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
32A | 609 | 1998 | Mynydd Troed | 161 | SO165292 | 286 | (255) |
32C | 600 | 1968 | Craig y Llyn | 170 | SN906031 | 392 | |
32A | 596 | 1955 | Sugar Loaf | 161 | SO272187 | 413 | (c 368) |
31C | 594 | 1949 | Waun Claerddu | 135,147 | SN790704 | c 168 | |
30D | 589 | 1932 | Moelfre | 124 | SH626246 | 162 | |
31B | 586 | 1923 | Pegwn Mawr | 136 | SO023812 | 300 | (213) |
32C | 578 | 1896 | Coety Mountain | 161 | SO231079 | c 231 | |
30C | 577 | 1893 | Moel y Gamelin | 116 | SJ176465 | c 382 | (c 174) |
30C | 565 | 1854 | Cyrn-y-Brain | 117 | SJ208488 | c 162 | |
30A | 564 | 1850 | Yr Eifl | 123 | SH364447 | c 433 | (427) |
31A | 560 | 1837 | Banc Llechwedd-mawr | 135 | SN775898 | 161 | |
30C | 555 | 1821 | Moel Famau | 116 | SJ161626 | c 272 | (197) |
30B | 553 | 1814 | Moel-ddu | 124 | SH579442 | 198 | |
32A | 551 | 1808 | Tor y Foel | 161 | SO114194 | 157 | |
31A | 550 | 1804 | Drosgol | 135 | SN759878 | c 195 | |
32C | 550 | 1804 | Mynydd Carn-y-cefn | 161 | SO187084 | 176 | |
31B | 547 | 1795 | Beacon Hill | 136,148 | SO176767 | 174 | |
31B | 542 | 1778 | Gwaunceste Hill | 148 | SO158555 | c 161 | |
30E | 540 | 1772 | Rhialgwm | 125 | SJ055211 | c 225 | |
30D | 539 | 1768 | Mynydd Nodol | 124,125 | SH865393 | 168 | |
31C | 536 | 1759 | Foel Cwmcerwyn | 145 | SN094311 | 344 | (318) |
30C | 532 | 1745 | Mwdwl-eithin | 116 | SH917540 | 265 | |
30E | 523 | 1716 | Gyrn Moelfre | 125 | SJ184293 | c 237 | |
31A | 523 | 1716 | Carnedd Wen | 125 | SH924099 | c 228 | |
30A | 522 | 1713 | Gyrn Ddu | 115,123 | SH401467 | 385 | |
32A | 515 | 1690 | Mynydd Llangorse | 161 | SO159266 | 161 | |
31B | 513 | 1683 | Corndon Hill | 137 | SO306969 | 201 | |
30C | 511 | 1676 | Foel Fenlli | 116 | SJ164600 | 153 | |
31A | 507 | 1663 | Disgwylfa Fawr | 135 | SN737847 | c 152 |
These are the top 21 non-Hewitt Marilyns in terms of relative height, ie they have the greatest drop.
Sect | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop | |
30A | 564 | 1850 | Yr Eifl | 123 | SH364447 | c 433 | (427) |
32A | 596 | 1955 | Sugar Loaf | 161 | SO272187 | 413 | (c 368) |
32C | 600 | 1968 | Craig y Llyn | 170 | SN906031 | 392 | |
30A | 522 | 1713 | Gyrn Ddu | 115,123 | SH401467 | 385 | |
30C | 577 | 1893 | Moel y Gamelin | 116 | SJ176465 | c 382 | (c 174) |
31C | 536 | 1759 | Foel Cwmcerwyn | 145 | SN094311 | 344 | (318) |
32A | 486 | 1594 | Ysgyryd Fawr | 161 | SO331182 | 344 | (298) |
30A | 371 | 1217 | Carn Fadryn | 123 | SH278351 | 343 | (c 293) |
31B | 408 | 1339 | Long Mountain | 126 | SJ264058 | 305 | (266) |
31B | 586 | 1923 | Pegwn Mawr | 136 | SO023812 | 300 | (213) |
32A | 609 | 1998 | Mynydd Troed | 161 | SO165292 | 286 | (255) |
30C | 555 | 1821 | Moel Famau | 116 | SJ161626 | c 272 | (197) |
30C | 532 | 1745 | Mwdwl-eithin | 116 | SH917540 | 265 | |
32B | 418 | 1371 | Mynydd Marchywel | 170 | SN768037 | 263 | |
31B | 403 | 1322 | Moel y Golfa | 126 | SJ290125 | 261 | |
32C | 472 | 1549 | Mynydd Twyn-glas | 171 | ST259978 | 253 | |
30F | 313 | 1027 | Ffridd Cocyn | 135 | SH624042 | c 247 | (231) |
32B | 481 | 1578 | Hirfynydd | 160 | SN839076 | c 246 | |
31B | 477 | 1565 | Gwastedyn Hill | 136,147 | SN986661 | c 242 | |
32C | 309 | 1014 | Wentwood | 171,172 | ST411943 | 240 | |
30A | 304 | 997 | Mynydd Rhiw | 123 | SH228293 | c 240 |
The following 27 Welsh hills miss out on being Marilyns by less than ten metres of relative height.
Sect | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop |
30F | 383 | 1257 | Bryn Brith 48 | 124 | SH664153 | 149 |
30C | 305 | 1001 | Mynydd y Cwm 49 | 116 | SJ073767 | 149 |
30A | 192 | 630 | Mynydd Anelog * | 123 | SH152272 | c 149 |
30D | 750 | 2461 | Diffwys | 124 | SH661234 | 148 |
31B | 475 | 1558 | Gamallt | 136,147 | SN955709 | 148 |
30D | 712 | 2336 | Rhinog Fach | 124 | SH664270 | c 147 |
31B | 532 | 1745 | Llanfihangel Hill | 148 | SO194553 | c 146 |
30C | 521 | 1709 | Moel y Gydros | 116 | SH914453 | 145 |
32C | 491 | 1611 | Mynydd Gethin | 170 | SO044025 | c 145 |
31C | 331 | 1086 | Dinas | 146,147 | SN782466 | c 145 |
30C | 396 | 1299 | Moelfre Uchaf | 116 | SH898716 | 144 |
30C | 519 | 1703 | Marial Gwyn | 116 | SH999556 | c 144 |
30A | 509 | 1670 | Bwlch Mawr * | 115,123 | SH426478 | c 144 |
31B | 439 | 1440 | Gilwern Hill | 147 | SO098582 | c 144 |
32B | 193 | 633 | Rhossili Down 50 * | 159 | SS420888 | c 144 |
31B | 528 | 1732 | Cilfaesty Hill | 136 | SO128840 | 143 |
30E | 382 | 1253 | Moel y Gwelltyn | 125 | SJ170277 | 143 |
31C | 335 | 1099 | Moelfre * | 145 | SN326360 | 143 |
30F | 545 | 1788 | Ceiswyn | 124 | SH745109 | 142 |
31C | 341 | 1119 | Fforest | 146,160 | SN777393 | 142 |
31C | 213 | 699 | Garn Fawr | 157 | SM895388 | 142 |
31A | 338 | 1109 | Moel Bentyrch | 125 | SJ055095 | c 142 |
31C | 415 | 1362 | Mynydd Pencarreg | 146 | SN575432 | c 141 |
32A | 442 | 1450 | Mynydd Bwlch-y-Groes | 160 | SN868356 | 140 |
31C | 328 | 1076 | Mynydd Figyn | 146 | SN596307 | 140 |
31A | 285 | 935 | Cefn Coch | 135,136 | SH815025 | c 140 |
32B | 193 | 633 | Kilvey Hill | 159 | SS671940 | c 140 |
Frequent local government reorganisation has made things difficult for those who aspire to visit the highest point of all counties. One solution is to ignore the changes introduced in 1974 and 1996 and to stick to the 'traditional' county tops. In England this may be the only feasible approach, as there is a ragbag mixture of unitary and two-tier local authorities. In Wales the position is much simpler as there are now just 22 unitary authorities. A list of their highest points is given below. Some of these authorities could not be described as 'counties' in the traditional sense, so their highpoints are better described as Council Tops. Details given are the same as for the Hewitts and Marilyns. Tops with a drop of 0 metres are not summits but are points on the side of a hill. Some are indeterminate, but the highest point of Merthyr Tydfil is unusual in being marked by a small lake: Pwll Mere. Fourteen Council Tops are Hewitts or Marilyns (or both), and a further six are near the top of one. This leaves just two Council Tops that require a completely separate ascent: Werfa (Bridgend) and Tair Onnen (Vale of Glamorgan).
Sect | Council | Metres | Feet | Name | Map | Grid Ref | Drop |
30B | Gwynedd | 1085 | 3560 | Snowdon | 115 | SH609543 | 1038 |
30B | Conwy | 1064 | 3491 | Carnedd Llewelyn | 115 | SH683644 | 750 |
32A | Powys | 886 | 2907 | Pen y Fan | 160 | SO012215 | c 671 |
30E | Denbighshire | 827 | 2713 | Moel Sych | 125 | SJ066318 | c 32 |
30E | Wrexham | 790 | 2592 | Craig Berwyn ° | 125 | SJ077335 | 0 |
32A | Carmarthenshire | 770 | 2526 | Fan Foel ° | 160 | SN820223 | 0 |
31A | Cardiganshire | 752 | 2467 | Plynlimon | 135 | SN789869 | 524 |
32A | Monmouthshire | 679 | 2228 | Chwarel y Fan | 161 | SO259293 | 72 |
32C | Neath Port Talbot | 600 | 1968 | Craig y Llyn | 170 | SN906031 | 392 |
32C | Rhondda, Cynon, Taff | 590 | 1935 | Craig y Llyn ° | 170 | SN909031 | 0 |
32C | Blaenau Gwent | 578 | 1896 | Coety Mountain | 161 | SO231079 | c 231 |
32C | Torfaen | 571 | 1873 | Cefn Coch | 161 | SO221093 | 35 |
32C | Bridgend | 568 | 1863 | Werfa | 170 | SS912947 | c 91 |
30C | Flintshire | 555 | 1821 | Moel Famau | 116 | SJ161626 | c 272 |
32A | Caerphilly | 552 | 1811 | Twyn Ceilog | 161 | SO098127 | 0 |
31C | Pembrokeshire | 536 | 1759 | Foel Cwmcerwyn | 145 | SN094311 | 344 |
32A | Merthyr Tydfil | 530 | 1739 | Merthyr Common ° | 160 | SO080110 | 0 |
32B | Swansea | 373 | 1224 | Mynydd y Betws | 159 | SN665095 | 205 |
32C | Newport | 309 | 1014 | Wentwood | 171,172 | ST411943 | 240 |
32C | Cardiff | 307 | 1007 | Garth Hill | 171 | ST103835 | 211 |
30A | Anglesey | 220 | 722 | Holyhead Mountain | 114 | SH218829 | 220 |
32C | Vale of Glamorgan | 137 | 449 | Tair Onnen | 170 | ST036739 | c 64 |
* Height taken from 1:25000 map.
** Height taken from 1:50000 map.
° Height taken from contour ring; no spot height shown on any map.