At a switchback in the track, a sign keeps you firmly on the footpath, avoiding
the farm, before returning you to the old quarry track. Turn left along
the track which rises gradually for about 1km before reaching a lake/reservoir.
En route you will notice many remains of old slate quarrying - including several
old buildings and an incline.
As you approach the first lake, a detour along the dam makes for a pleasant
picnic spot and some good photo opportunities. The main route, however, is
to keep the lake to your left, following the quarrymens track upwards.
Here a collection of ancient stone buildings and old quarry workings adds to the
interest.
Continue to climb up past the buildings to reach a deep, flooded quarry.
The path ascends steeply for a short while, with the flooded workings on your
right. Continuing along the foot of Moel Siabod a third and larger lake
comes into view. As you approach, you have a choice of ascent routes.
An obvious and clear path on the right keeps close to the foot of Moel Siabod,
before ascending the loose gulley. This direct ascent is easy at first, but
can be loose and slippery towards the summit.
Keeping the lake closer
to your left, a wide and often boggy path heads towards
the foot of the East ridge. From the foot of the ridge, head right and
upwards. The direct ascent keeps to the high ground, and is a reasonable
scramble, exposed in some places. There is little in the way of a path.
The easiest route runs along the Southern flank a little way below the ridge.
Here a clear path ascends more gently, with the Moel Siabod summit to your
right, before doubling back slightly and climbing more steeply.
Eventually, all routes meet at the summit trig point.
From the summit of Moel Siabod, you can enjoy the uninterrupted 360o panorama -
perhaps one of the best views in the area.
|