Dduallt

Mountain / peak

Explorer Tom

Dduallt is the quieter Welsh hill that lets Rhobell Fawr collect the attention while it keeps the wild views for anyone prepared to work for them. Its cairn stands on a rocky outcrop at about 663 metres, north of the Dolgellau to Bala road, with forest, rough ground and a pleasing lack of fanfare. The two hills pair naturally, though woodland between them can start an argument with your boots. Dduallt's eastern slopes are steep, while boggy land complicates approaches from the north and east. From the top, the Aran and Arenig ranges and neighbouring Rhobell Fawr spread across the horizon. The Afon Dyfrdwy, the River Dee, rises on the hill's eastern side; even a famous river must start somewhere. A published circuit from near Rhydymain links Rhobell Fawr and Dduallt over roughly 13.8 kilometres, climbing through forestry tracks and onto open hill. The writer notes that getting through the conifer plantation to Dduallt takes perseverance, then follows the forest boundary towards the summit. Use a current map and check mapped rights of way and access land before setting off; do not treat a fence or plantation track as a promise of unrestricted entry. Expect wet, uneven ground and navigation rather than a waymarked attraction. On a clear day, stay awhile at the cairn and let the surrounding mountains take their turns in the distance. On a murky one, the sensible prize is returning safely along the route you planned. Either way, Dduallt gives a fine answer to anyone who thinks a hill needs crowds, a café or a grand name to be worth climbing.

What is recorded here

Map note: The map marks Dduallt as a mountain or peak in Gwynedd, Wales. That sounds like a place for a big view, though the map makes no promises.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) n29751104

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