
Cnicht
The 'Welsh Matterhorn' of Snowdonia, offering dramatic views and a rewarding, challenging hike for experienced adventurers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Clearer views, better weather

Cnicht
Best Time
Clearer views, better weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The 'Welsh Matterhorn' of Snowdonia, offering dramatic views and a rewarding, challenging hike for experienced adventurers.
"Cnicht really is a wonderful vantage point and yet not at all busy."

🚗 Parking in Croesor
Park in Croesor village; a free car park with a porter-loo is available.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the varied terrain, including rocky sections and potential boggy areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 'Welsh Matterhorn' Profile
Approaching from Croesor
Cnicht's distinctive triangular peak resembles the Matterhorn, offering a dramatic and memorable sight.
Panoramic Summit Views
Cnicht Summit
From the top, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views stretching from the coast to Snowdon and the surrounding mountains.
Challenging Scramble Sections
Steeper ascents (e.g., Croesor route)
Experience exhilarating scrambling that adds an adventurous element to the climb, rewarding your effort.
Quiet Ridge Walk Option
Cnicht ridge
Opt for the less strenuous ridge walk for a longer, more relaxed hike with equally impressive scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Welsh Matterhorn
Choose Your Ascent Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking in Croesor
Park in Croesor village; a free car park with a porter-loo is available.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the varied terrain, including rocky sections and potential boggy areas.
🗺️ Map & Navigation Skills
Crucial for navigating the paths, especially in changing weather conditions.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Most of the route is dog-friendly with gates, but one stile near the top may be challenging for larger dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking in Croesor
Park in Croesor village; a free car park with a porter-loo is available.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the varied terrain, including rocky sections and potential boggy areas.
🗺️ Map & Navigation Skills
Crucial for navigating the paths, especially in changing weather conditions.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Most of the route is dog-friendly with gates, but one stile near the top may be challenging for larger dogs.
☁️ Be Prepared for Weather
Weather can change rapidly; pack layers, waterproofs, and be ready for all conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cnicht is lauded for its stunning 'Welsh Matterhorn' appearance and breathtaking summit views, offering a rewarding challenge for hikers. While some find the steep ascents and scrambling demanding, many appreciate the manageable nature of the climb and the spectacular scenery. It's a fantastic vantage point, yet surprisingly uncrowded compared to other Snowdonia peaks.
"Beautiful, quiet walk with amazing views of the mountains and the sea. Steep in places but usually short steep sections are followed by a more gentle slope, making it an easier climb than others.
Park in the car park at Croesor; cross the wooden bridge over the stream and turn left - you'll see the first sign for Cnicht in front of you (on the road) pointing right and uphill. This is probably the steepest part of the walk! Follow the road up, eventually you'll come to a stile and a gate that opens onto a slate track. Follow this until you come to a fork, with a path to the left and a gate to the right - go through the gate. The walk is well-signed, so keep following! There are several stiles on the route, but all have gates next to them, making it easier for those with dogs. However, near the top, just before the rocky section starts, there is a stile only. Sadly, this wasn't something my greyhound could do (and I didn't fancy her having a go on the rocky bits either), but it was still a fantastic view and well worth it. About an hour's climb to this point."
Natalie Medlicott
"This is one of those mountains that looks awfully impressive in the distance with its triangular profile. This comes from it being at the end of a long ridge.
As a result you can approach the summit in two ways. If you walk along the ridge it's a long but not especially challenging hike. While from the other side you get quite a steep ascent with a lot of scrambling.
Both are excellent paths to the top with stunning views and from the peak you can see clearly from the coast to Snowden. Cnicht really is a wonderful vantage point and yet not at all busy. Well worth the effort."
Damian Cannon
"Cnicht is a serious hill, it is not for the feint hearted, for the unfit, or the holiday maker who has never been up a real hill in their life. Knight (Cnicht) is well named and from certain angles resembles a man on horse back or perhaps a chess piece (where is Ronald Weasley?).
Having said that, it is eminently achievable by any one with map reading skills, a fair level of fitness and suitable gear (including, boots, cagoules and spare clothing etc.
The best route starts in Croesor where the Monica "The Welsh Matterhorn" can be truly appreciated and climbs a steep path on the right hand side of the peak. The path can be daunting in places for the uninitiated and in other places it well deserves the title scramble.
In my opinion, it is not the place to take your (or anyone else’s) children, not because they may fall but because as with all children as they skip (seemingly) carelessly from rock to rock your hair will turn greyer and your blood pressure rise, the further you progress along the track.
Neither is this a route to tie a confidence rope to your young charges because should they fall you will probably follow them, quickly.
So that is the downside. The upside is for such a small hill it is a fantastic mountain, it has a true mountaineering feel to it and returns a vast amount of pleasure for relatively little effort, The views across the old workings and toward Snowdon and indeed the coast are spectacular and on a clear day have to be seen to be believed. The journey up and dropping down into the old workings back to the village can be completed easily in 4 hours and the joy of that lunchtime pint after an exciting and enjoyable expedition is palpable.
Yes, children could be taken up and might be fine especially if they are used to being in the hills. Yes, people with no hillwalking experience may well enjoy a relatively easy climb but as with any mountain in Wales (or any other mountainous area) the weather can change in a few moments and that is when experience counts.
I do not want to put anyone off enjoying this special hill but the best route up the hill is quite steep and narrow in places and clings to the rockface on one side with a steep, high drop on the other, treated with respect it is a great walk but disrespect it at your peril."
Jeff Dixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular starting point is Croesor village, where you can find parking. From there, follow signs for Cnicht. The route involves a steep ascent or a longer ridge walk.
Yes, there is a free car park available in Croesor village, which also has a porter-loo.
Public transport options to Croesor are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to the trailhead.
The best route depends on your preference. The Croesor route offers a steep, challenging ascent with scrambling, while the ridge walk is longer but less demanding.
Cnicht is considered a serious hill and is not for the unfit or inexperienced. It involves steep sections and scrambling, requiring a fair level of fitness and suitable gear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Cnicht is free as it is part of Snowdonia National Park. There are no admission fees for the trails.
Cnicht is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Snowdonia National Park itself does not have an entrance fee. Parking fees may apply in certain areas.
Yes, several outdoor activity providers offer guided hikes up Cnicht, which can be beneficial for less experienced hikers.
There are no specific entry restrictions for Cnicht, but always be mindful of weather conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Mornings are often best for clearer views and cooler temperatures, especially in summer. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
The hike can take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the route chosen and your fitness level. The Croesor route can be completed in about 4 hours.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, waterproofs, and a hat. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
There are no facilities at the summit of Cnicht. Ensure you carry enough water and snacks for your hike.
While some families have successfully hiked Cnicht with children, it's generally not recommended for very young children or those inexperienced with mountain terrain due to steepness and scrambling.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic 'Welsh Matterhorn' profile, panoramic summit views, and dramatic ridge landscapes offer fantastic photography opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, while clear days provide the best visibility for expansive views.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant details. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
The summit provides the most expansive views. The approach from Croesor also offers stunning perspectives of the mountain's profile.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying a drone in Snowdonia.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Welsh Matterhorn' - Cnicht's Unique Appeal
The appeal of Cnicht lies not just in its appearance but also in the varied experiences it offers. Hikers can choose between a challenging ascent involving scrambling, which provides a true mountaineering feel, or a more leisurely walk along the ridge. Both routes promise rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. The mountain's name itself, 'Cnicht,' is thought to mean 'knight,' adding a layer of mystique and history to the trek.
Navigating Cnicht: Routes and Challenges
Alternatively, approaching Cnicht along the ridge provides a longer but generally less demanding hike. This option allows for a more relaxed pace and offers continuous, expansive views. Regardless of the chosen route, hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions common in mountainous areas. Map reading skills are essential, and it's advisable to carry a map and compass, even on well-trodden paths.
Wildlife and Scenery of the Moelwynion
The views from Cnicht are a significant part of its allure. On a clear day, the panorama extends to the coast, offering glimpses of the Irish Sea, and inland towards the higher peaks of Snowdonia, including Snowdon itself. The contrast between the rugged mountain terrain, the distant sea, and the expansive sky creates a truly breathtaking spectacle. Even on days with cloud cover, the dramatic atmosphere can be captivating, as seen in some of the more atmospheric shots of Cnicht.
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