Yr Aran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yr Aran |
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![]() Yr Aran from the Watkin path
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 747 m (2,451 ft) |
Prominence | 235 m (771 ft) |
Parent peak | Snowdon |
Listing | Marilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall |
Naming | |
English translation | the peak |
Language of name | Welsh |
Geography | |
Location | Gwynedd, Wales |
Parent range | Snowdonia |
OS grid | SH604515 |
Topo map | OS Landranger 115 |
Yr Aran is a mountain peak located in Snowdonia, a beautiful national park in Wales. It stands on a ridge that stretches south from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales. From Yr Aran, you can enjoy amazing views of Snowdon's summit, as well as other nearby mountains like Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge.
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Exploring Yr Aran: A Mountain Adventure
Yr Aran is a fantastic mountain for young hikers to explore. It's not as famous as Snowdon, but it offers a rewarding climb and stunning scenery. The mountain is 747 meters (about 2,451 feet) tall. This makes it a significant peak, but it's still very accessible for those who love the outdoors.
Where is Yr Aran Located?
Yr Aran is found in the county of Gwynedd in North Wales. It's part of the larger Snowdonia mountain range, which is known for its rugged beauty and challenging hikes. The mountain's name, "Yr Aran," means "the peak" in Welsh. This name perfectly describes its pointed shape.
How Can You Reach the Summit?
Even though there aren't specific paths marked for Yr Aran on maps, reaching its top is quite straightforward. Many people visit Yr Aran as a side trip while climbing Snowdon. You can easily get to it from two popular routes up Snowdon:
- The Rhyd Ddu path
- The Watkin Path
These paths offer clear routes through the landscape. From them, you can find a good way to climb Yr Aran. It's a great way to add an extra challenge and see more of the area.
What Views Can You Expect?
When you reach the top of Yr Aran, you'll be treated to incredible panoramic views. You can see the majestic summit of Snowdon towering above. In other directions, you'll spot the rolling hills of Moel Hebog and the long, winding Nantlle Ridge. On a clear day, the views are truly unforgettable. They show off the wild beauty of the Welsh mountains.
Mountain Classifications: What Makes Yr Aran Special?
Mountains like Yr Aran are often categorized based on their height and how much they stand out from the surrounding land. Yr Aran is special because it belongs to several important lists of peaks.
What is a Marilyn?
Yr Aran is known as a Marilyn. A Marilyn is a hill or mountain in the British Isles that has a "prominence" of at least 150 meters (about 492 feet). Prominence means how much a mountain rises from the lowest point connecting it to a higher peak. Yr Aran's prominence is 235 meters, which is why it's a Marilyn.
What is a Hewitt?
The mountain is also a Hewitt. This stands for "Hills of England, Wales and Ireland over Two Thousand feet." To be a Hewitt, a mountain must be at least 2,000 feet (about 610 meters) high and have a prominence of at least 30 meters (about 98 feet). Yr Aran easily meets these requirements.
What is a Nuttall?
Finally, Yr Aran is listed as a Nuttall. Nuttalls are mountains in England and Wales that are over 2,000 feet (610 meters) high. They also need to have a drop of at least 15 meters (about 49 feet) on all sides. This classification helps hikers discover many different peaks.