Croeso / Welcome

The Covid Pandemic of 2020-21 undoubtedly sparked an upsurge of interest in the outdoors, with many of us looking for new ways of exercising, and discovering or re-discovering the pleasure and benefits of hiking in the hills … but where exactly to go, and how to get there?

While people flock in their thousands to the ‘honey-pots’ of outdoor walking in north Wales, so many other areas remain empty. Social media tends, most of the time, to show us the same few favourites and classics.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is awe-inspiring and, as our highest mountain, an obvious target. But isn’t it time to take a look too at the other 187 mountains that Wales has to offer, and try Aran Fawddwy from Cwm Cywarch, Arenig Fawr from the quarry, or Cnicht from Croesor instead?

In my own local area, Moel Famau is ever-popular, and the car parks often fill up very quickly. Yet Moel Gamelin, 22m higher and very accessible, and Moel Morfydd, with stunning views down the Dee Valley, see just a handful of visitors.

So this website is an attempt to promote the less-visited hills, and show what else this vast playground of ours has to offer someone who wants to exercise, but also to explore a bit too.

With visitor numbers increasing, and with many hikers being fairly new to the outdoors and still developing their skills and knowledge, it’s also an attempt to guide people away from apps showing other people’s routes, and towards navigation skills and self-dependancy that will ultimately allow them to go wherever they want.

About me :

I’ve been a keen hiker for about 20 years. In the past Eryri and the Lake District were my main haunts; nowadays you’re more likely to find me in north east Wales, and mainly on the quieter hills. I’m still regularly out on Moel Famau too though – it’s where I volunteer with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.

I’m not an expert, or an outdoors professional, and the website’s just a hobby project. I welcome feedback though, positive or otherwise, and I’m a former county councillor who’s developed broad shoulders, so I’m not easily offended!

And especially if you’re one of newer walkers that the site is mainly aimed at, but for whatever reason it doesn’t fit the bill, please feel free to drop me a line and tell me why >

Phil Rees : philvrees@outlook.com