Another Nuttall Bagged – Yr Aran

by Alan Cole · Published Monday, August 24th, 2026 · Updated Monday, August 24th, 2026

Whilst taking Mel and Clélia up Snowdon recently, we stopped partway up the South Ridge for a snack and a chat. Sitting there on the grassy slopes overlooking the valley, our eyes were drawn to the summit to the west.

Yr Aran. A summit that I’d not really clocked before.

On that day it was standing proud and looked high enough to be a Nuttall, no doubt one of the many I’ve yet to do. At 747 metres, it is indeed a decent-sized Nuttall and one that stood alone, waiting to be bagged. With the weather looking OK on Friday and a day off, I decided to pop back up and make a quick ascent.

Yr Aran

I was alone, so after the drive and parking next to the Gwynant Café, I headed off, retracing our steps up the bottom of the Watkin Path to the waterfalls, then off onto the path towards the South Ridge. It was a slightly overcast day and showers were likely, so I had waterproofs and an extra layer with me, along with the usual first aid kit, emergency kit and some lunch.

As the path joined the first mine level and headed off to the right, I continued straight up, following a poorly defined path and up a steep scree/mine waste slop to the next level. The sun was trying to break through now and then, and I had some nice views out towards the coast and down onto Llyn Gwynant.

I was making good time, pushing the pace a little and covering the ground well. I gained the ridge through a little gully and turned left just to visit the minor summit overlooking the valley. I then retraced my steps, following the wall towards the looming peak of Yr Aran.

This too was gained quickly and easily. It’s surprising how much faster I travel when I’m on my own.

The summit itself was a nice place to be. There was no one around, there were 360º views and, strangely, there was hardly any wind either. I paused for a while, then returned down to the stile and turned left onto a rocky path to the saddle at the base of the South Ridge.

There were a few little rocky down-scrambles here and some boggy bits to negotiate in the saddle itself. I could also see quite a few people heading up the South Ridge. I managed to avoid the bogs and the people and soon found myself heading off-piste across a grassy slope towards the main path, where I started jogging back down towards the Watkin Path pools.

There were, of course, lots of people at the pools and the path was now busy as I trotted along, weaving in and out of the crowds. Before long, I was back at the car having ticked off Nuttall number 138 of 189.

The whole route had only taken just under 2½ hours and I hadn’t even thought about stopping for lunch yet. It still wasn’t even midday. I’d also needed none of the equipment in the rucksack, so could have travelled considerably lighter and done the route in even less time had I wanted.

I ate my lunch in the car and headed home.

A good morning out in the hills.