Moel-y-Gest may only rise to 263 metres, but what it lacks in height it more than makes up for in character. This small but striking hill sits just outside Porthmadog and offers 360° views across Snowdonia, the Llyn Peninsula, and out to sea. It’s a perfect choice for an easy half-day walk, a sunset shoot, or simply a quieter alternative to the bigger peaks nearby.
The route begins from a large layby on the A497 just outside Criccieth, following a gentle track through farmland before climbing steeply towards the summit. From the top you’ll see the dramatic triangular peak of Cnicht, the ridges of Moelwyn Mawr, and on a clear day, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the distance. To the west lies the full curve of Cardigan Bay, glowing gold at sunset.
Although short, this walk packs in a lot of scenery. On the way up you’ll pass traditional field walls, scattered bracken and patches of purple heather before stepping onto the exposed rock plateau near the top. The reward is a full 360-degree panorama: Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula stretch out to the north, Bae Ceredigion glitters to the south, and the peaks of Eryri, including Cnicht and Moelwyn Mawr, dominate the eastern skyline.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
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Route length |
5 km (out-and-back) |
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Elevation gain |
250 m / 820 ft |
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Height at the peak |
263 m / 850 ft |
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Difficulty |
Mild to moderate – steep in short sections but straightforward overall |
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Start Point |
Large lay-by on the A497 just outside Criccieth |
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What3Words |
irrigate.reviews.unearthly |
The best place to start the walk is from a large lay-by just outside Porthmadog on the A497 towards Criccieth. If you’re approaching from Porthmadog, cross the small roundabout on the edge of town and look for the lay-by on your left-hand side, set slightly back from the road and surrounded by trees.
It’s not an official car park, more of a truck waiting area, but it’s easy to spot and has plenty of space to park safely. Parking here is free and provides the most direct access to the start of the route.
From the lay-by, walk a short distance west along the pavement until you reach a private driveway on your left – this marks the start of the path leading towards Moel-y-Gest.
Once you’ve finished your walk, Porthmadog is only a few minutes away and perfect for a post-walk coffee or meal.
There are no toilets on this route so make sure you go before you head out!
From the lay-by on the A497, walk west a short distance along the pavement until you reach a private driveway on your left. Follow this lane uphill – it soon narrows into a farm track, passing a small farmhouse on your right. The track is clear and easy to follow, winding gently between stone walls and open fields with Moel-y-Gest rising to your left.
Keep heading straight along this path, passing through two field walls. Just after the second wall, turn left – you’ll see the hill rising more steeply ahead. The path now curves around the back of Moel-y-Gest, climbing gradually before turning into a rocky trail that begins to zig-zag upward through heather and bracken.
As you reach the back side of the hill, look left for a smaller path branching off uphill. This is the main route to the summit. It’s steep in places but easy to follow once you’re on it. You’ll pass a stile and then climb sharply through a narrow section with a few short drops on your left – take care here, especially in wet weather.
The path eventually curves right beneath a large rock wall, hugging its left edge before levelling out onto the summit plateau. The top of Moel-y-Gest is rocky but easy to explore, and you can wander freely to find your own viewpoints.
From the summit you’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views in North Wales:
To the north, the Llyn Peninsula stretches into the distance with Anglesey beyond.
To the east, you’ll spot the distinctive triangular peak of Cnicht and the ridges of Moelwyn Mawr.
To the south, the full curve of Cardigan Bay (Bae Ceredigion) shimmers in the light.
When you’ve finished exploring, return the same way you came. Do not attempt to descend directly towards the A497 — the north side of the hill is lined with steep cliffs and stone walls, and there is no safe footpath straight down.
Although this route is short, give yourself plenty of time — the steep final section can catch you by surprise, especially if you stop for photos along the way.
The path near the summit narrows in places with a few steep drops to the left. Take your time and watch your footing, particularly in wet weather.
The trail looks faint from below, but once you’re on it the route is easy to follow. Look for trodden heather and natural steps in the rock.
There’s no safe descent directly towards the A497 — always retrace your steps via the same route down.
Mobile signal is good throughout, but as always in hill country, download your map before you set out.
If you decide to wild camp, follow the Countryside Code — no fires, no BBQs, and leave absolutely no trace. Early risers often catch sunrise light over Snowdonia, but respect this beautiful spot.
And finally, as I always say on my walks: a good day in the hills ends when you’re back at the car with a cuppa.
Moel-y-Gest is one of those peaks that feels made for photographers — short on effort, long on reward. From the summit, you can turn a full circle and capture almost every landscape Snowdonia has to offer.
For most visitors, this is a sunset location. The light sweeps across Cardigan Bay from right to left, illuminating the rocks and bracken in golden tones. Around the summer solstice, the sun sets directly between the valleys over Anglesey, creating a beautiful alignment that changes colour by the minute.
Sunrise can also work here, particularly in May or August, when the sun lifts over Cnicht and the Snowdonian peaks. It’s an early start, and you’ll need a head torch for the climb, but the soft morning light spilling across the ridge is worth the effort.
At the top, look for foreground anchors – the heather, rough boulders, or the stone “walls” that edge the plateau. Framing your shots through cracks in the rock or using patches of colour in the bracken helps create depth and a stronger sense of place.
Don’t forget to look south, either – the wide view across Bae Ceredigion often catches reflected evening light that can outshine the sunset itself.
Great landscape photographs happen when you’re able to tie the landscape into a story. I often teach the idea of using an “anchor” object — something that connects you, the photographer, to that place at that moment. It could be a rock, a wall, a reflection or even your shadow. Ask yourself, what is anchoring me to this location today? Then weave that feeling into your composition.
Moel-y-Gest rewards you at any time of year, but it truly shines in the evening light. The western view across Cardigan Bay catches the full warmth of sunset, while the rocks and heather glow gold against the blue tones of the sea.
If you visit around the summer solstice, you’ll see the sun drop between the distant valleys over Anglesey – a sight that makes this one of the best short sunset climbs in North Wales. The air is often calm, the light lingers, and the descent is still bright enough to be safe without a rush.
Spring and early autumn offer softer colours and fewer crowds, with purple heather and bracken giving texture to your compositions. Winter can bring crisp air and stunning light on clear days, though the rocks near the summit can be icy, so tread carefully.
For the adventurous, sunrise is also possible here — the sun rises over Cnicht and Snowdonia’s eastern peaks in May and August, lighting the ridge in pink and gold. It’s an early start and you’ll need a head torch for the climb, but the reward is absolute peace and perfect light.
Although Moel-y-Gest is one of the smaller peaks in Eryri, it’s still a mountain environment and should be treated with respect.
The final climb is steep in places, and there are narrow sections with drops to the left near the summit — take your time and watch your footing, especially in wet or windy conditions.
The rock can be slippery after rain, and the heather often hides uneven steps beneath.
Always wear appropriate footwear and carry warm, waterproof clothing, even on clear days — coastal hills can change from sunshine to drizzle quickly.
If visibility drops, stay on the main path and backtrack the way you came; there are no safe descents directly down the north face towards the A497.
Mobile signal is good, but it’s still wise to download a map and carry a paper backup just in case.
If something goes wrong, dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
And remember — a short walk is only easy when you respect the hill.
You don’t need specialist gear for Moel-y-Gest, but being prepared makes the short climb far more enjoyable — especially if you’re heading up for sunset.
Good footwear: Trail shoes or walking boots with decent grip — the rocks near the top can be slippery after rain.
Warm, waterproof layers: Even on clear days, coastal winds can pick up quickly at the summit.
Headtorch or torch: Essential if you plan to stay for sunset or attempt a sunrise climb.
Snacks and water: There’s nowhere to buy food or refill bottles once you’re on the trail.
Camera or phone: Every direction offers a view worth capturing — from the Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey to the peaks of Snowdonia.
(Optional) Tripod and filters: Handy for low-light landscape work, but not essential unless you’re focusing on long exposures.
It’s a short route but a rewarding one — the kind of hill where slowing down, watching the light change, and taking time over a composition makes all the difference.
For such a small hill, Moel-y-Gest delivers views that rival some of Snowdonia’s biggest peaks. From the rugged coastline to the rolling ridges of Eryri, it’s a place that captures everything special about North Wales in a single, short climb.
Whether you’re here to photograph the sun setting over Anglesey, to spot the triangular peak of Cnicht, or simply to breathe in the sea air and switch off for a while, this is a walk that rewards you every time.
If you’d like to make the most of your visit, why not join me for one of my photography walks or workshops? I’ll guide you through composition, camera settings and light, or simply lead you on a relaxed walk to the best viewpoints at just the right time of day.
➡️ See upcoming walks and workshops here
Or if you’d prefer a more personal experience, I’m always happy to act as your private guide for a tailored walk or workshop — just get in touch to arrange something that suits your pace and interests.
I'm Liam, you're local photography guide, I've been running walks and workshops now for over 5 years, helping hundreds of walkers experience the great outdoors and always wearing my distinctive gold/yellow jacket!
I started this journey wanting to help those struggling with their mental health following the 2019 pandemic to get out into our countryside, using their cameras as an excuse to explore and I'm now heading into my 5th year!
My workshops are for everyone, beginners to experts, we'll always find something amazing to photograph together!
So whether you're new to photography or an experienced shooter, book one of my walks today, follow the golden jacket, and lets take great photos!
