Yr Eifl. Sept 2015

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.


Pen Llyn (the Lleyn Peninsula) is an oasis of peace in a busy world. Just up the road, the Snowdonia National Park is a magnet for the crowds, with Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as the main attraction. Llyn is a total contrast, with quiet lanes and deserted beaches; but there are also hills, and rugged hills at that, where you won’t be standing in a queue to reach the summits. The three peaks of Yr Eifl (it translates as ‘The Fork’) rise from the sea, with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop. Garn Fôr (‘Sea Cairn’) is the lowest at 444 metres, with Garn Ganol (‘Centre Cairn’) the highest at 564 metres. The most amazing of the three though is Tre’r Ceiri (‘Home of the Giants’, 485m): at the summit is one of the best-preserved Iron Age forts in Britain. Yr Eifl is often basking in good weather Garn Ganol and the standing stone sculptures. On the other hand, these are gnarly little hills, with boulders hidden in the deep heather and sea winds waiting to make life difficult, so pick your day. To impress the locals remember to say ‘Yr Eifl’ (pronounced ‘Ur Eye-vul’) not the anglicised version ‘The Rivals’.

Distance 6.5km (4 miles)

Total ascent 432m

Time 3½ hours

Start/Finish SH354441 (from Llithfaen follow the brown sign to Nant Gwrtheyrn)

Nearest town Pwllheli

Terrain mostly easy walking, but some steep slopes with a mixture of heather and boulders

Accommodation camping, glamping or holiday cottages at Cae Bach, Pontllyfni (01286) 660225 www.snowdoniaandcoastholidays.co.uk/cae-bachcamping.aspx or Cae Clyd, Llanllyfni (01286) 832692 www.snowdoniaandcoastholidays.co.uk/cae-clyd-camping.aspx

Public transport trains to Pwllheli; buses from Pwllheli to Llithfaen www.traveline.cymru


Tourist info Pwllheli TIC (01758) 613000 or Caernarfon TIC (01286) 672232 Best pub Tafarn y Fic, Llithfaen

SH353440 Garn Ganol, the central peak of Yr Eifl, looms above the start point. Standing with your back to the standing stone sculpture and looking towards Garn Ganol, an obvious wide track starts near the car park and rises to the left (north-eastish). Start by following this wide track until it reaches a col (Bwlch yr Eifl) between Garn Ganol on the right and Garn Fôr on the left.

SH362454 At the col, go left through the gate and follow the track towards the radio mast. Go up the obvious steps then left at the top to pick up a narrow path heading for the small summit of Garn Fôr. Don’t be tempted to go further than the summit, as there are steep cliffs and quarry workings – the local name for Garn Fôr is Mynydd y Gwaith (‘The Work Mountain’).

SH361457 Return to the col and go straight across the track to follow the obvious path (south-south-east) up the flank of Garn Ganol. The ascent is steady enough, with expanding views the higher you go. Towards the top, the path weaves left then right through boulders, but is easy to follow and takes you to the summit cairn and trig point. The views are outstanding, particularly down to Tre’r Ceiri with its dramatic hill-fort and across to Snowdonia – on a good day you might even see the Wicklow Hills in Ireland.

SH365447 From the summit take the path heading between east and south-east, aiming towards Tre’r Ceiri. The descent is more bouldery than the ascent, so take care. Shortly after starting the descent, watch for a narrow path branching left (east) heading down to a broad marshy col below Tre’r Ceiri – from there carry on to enter the ancient hill-fort by an entrance on the north-west ramparts.

SH374447 It’s worth allowing time to explore the site of the fort. Within the preserved walls are the remains of over 100 round huts, and the site is about 2,000 years old – at the north-east corner the fort has an even older Bronze Age cairn, probably 2,000 years older than the fort. When finished, make your way to the entrance at the south-west corner of the fort. From there follow the descending path heading south-west to meet a stone wall.

SH369443 Cross the wall by the stile and continue in the same direction as the descent from Tre’r Ceiri. The path is obvious and descends easily towards a fence, passing the striking rock outcrop of Caergribin on the skyline to your left. At the fence the path comes to a kissing-gate.

SH365440 From the gate, continue on the path in the same direction. In a little over 300 metres the path comes to a wooden post with several footpath marker-arrows. 

SH362439 Just beyond the post, the track makes a left turn heading down towards a wood and buildings. Don’t take the left turn but instead go straight on. There is a faint path in places, but the aim is to contour to the crest of the broad ridge ahead. If in doubt, head for the prominent stone wall running from south-east to north-west with a group of three standing stone sculptures on the broad crest.

SH356438 The standing stones are a great viewpoint from which to identify surrounding features. From there descend north-west with the stone wall on your left. The car park and the start point soon come into view.