Yr Eifl

Peaks: Garn For, Garn Ganol, Tre Ceiri
Area: Yr Eifl, Llyn
I've only been up Yr Eifl two or three times before, and I don't think I've ever done it from the top of Nant Gwrtheyrn. It gives a wonderful little outing, the essence of Llyn, following the runnable track poised above the sea, then ploughing steeply up to the wonderfully located summit of Garn For, which is even closer to the sea than the other peaks. From the top, it looks directly down to the northern coast of Llyn, as well as the coast east to Ynys Mon. It is rather like a miniature Brandon, reminding me of that mountain's position above the Atlantic Coast of the Dingle. Good paths and good running lead across to the main summit of Yr Eifl, actually called Garn Ganol, although sadly the mist had rolled in. Then it was across to the remarkable Tre Ceiri, which has such a powerful atmosphere and such stunning hillfort remains (150 separate dwellings, all 2000 years old) that it is surprising how little known it is. Then a sprint back to the car above Gwrtheryn. It really is a lovely miniature range of peaks. I then had time to drive through the tortuous lanes of northern Llyn to Garnfadryn, where I jogged up the eponymous peak, another hillfort and one of Wales' most magical locations. That is quite a claim, but it is a stunning spot - a perfect miniature summit with views over a patchwork of fields and isolated hamlets straight down the far end of the Llyn to Bardsey. Sea on both sides: Porth Neigwl, and the other isolated mini-mountain volcanic plugs hereabouts like Mynydd Rhiw. In the other direction, Yr Eifl and Eryri, under a thick blanket of dark grey cloud. It would be a tremendous place to spend the night.