Bwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular
Gwynedd
Bwlch y Groes (545m) is the highest tarmac road pass in Wales and the perfect high level start for the long ridge of the Aran range, the wildest mountain group in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). This dog friendly walk follows the broad open ridge over Foel Hafod-Fynydd and Erw y Ddafad-Ddu to Aran Fawddwy (905m), the highest peak south of the Snowdon massif, returning by the same outward path.
The walking is on grassy ridge paths and rocky upper sections with some boggy ground in between, exposed to the weather and a real mountain proposition. Most of the route is on access land where dogs can be off lead, but sheep graze the lower slopes and the upper crags hold a sensitive ground-nesting bird population, so dogs should be on a lead from spring through summer (1 March to 31 July). There are no facilities at all on the route, so carry plenty of food and water for both you and your dog. Roadside parking at the pass.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.0 km (8.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 6 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on the hill, dog friendly Eagles Inn at Llanuwchllyn for post walk meals.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking at Bwlch y Groes pass, around 15 spaces, fills on weekends.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Bwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in GwyneddFrequently Asked Questions
Is Bwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog friendly mountain walk rated 7 out of 10 for dogs. The broad grassy ridge and open access land make it a good choice for dogs who are fit and comfortable on mountain terrain, though the exposed conditions and rocky upper sections mean it suits confident, well-exercised dogs rather than beginners.
Can dogs be off lead at Bwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular?
Most of the route runs over access land where dogs can be off lead, but there are important seasonal restrictions to be aware of. Sheep graze the lower slopes and the upper crags support ground-nesting birds, so dogs must be kept on a lead between 1 March and 31 July each year.
What should I know before visiting Bwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular with my dog?
This is a serious mountain day out with no facilities whatsoever on the route, so you'll need to carry enough food and water for both you and your dog for the full circuit. The terrain includes boggy sections and rocky ground near the summit, and the ridge is fully exposed to the weather, so this walk demands preparation. If you're looking for a post-walk reward, the dog friendly Eagles Inn at nearby Llanuwchllyn is a great option. Parking is free roadside at the pass but limited to around 15 spaces, so arriving early is advisable at weekends.
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