Section 1

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Starting at Nant Y Moch, which can be accessed via Ponterwyd you need to make your way up the right side of the reservoir until you reach a grass verge on the Left before a cattle grid and gate just beyond Nant Y Moch stream (Grid Ref SN 76793 87396) click for link. You can park your car here. As always you can use the X47 bus and hike in from Ponterwyd. Once at the grass verge step onto the track and stick to it around a bend until you pass some ponds to your left 1 KM in. Carry on for a further 1.5 KM around another bend veering right whereupon you'll see the imposing Corrie that is Llyn Lygad. 

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Section 2

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Admire Llyn Lygad for a while then turn your attention South or right as you look at Llyn Lygad. You need to make your way up the slope to the saddle at Grid Ref SN 78764 87517 click for link or try this link for map view. As you make your way up look back and take in the views of the Hengwm valley and Cadair Idris and Snowdonia beyond. Awe is good! Once through the saddle a trail emerges at the tip of the Maesnant/keep checking the map. This will lead you to the summit of Plynlimon where the trig point and shelter awaits to the South at Grid Ref: SN 78974 86956.  

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Summit & Wye Source Option

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It's great to be at the summit of Plynlimon at 752 meters (2,467 feet) and have a brew. Once relaxed you can make your way to the source of the Wye, which is along the Whale back ridge or Plateau to the North East of the summit along a long straight fence. (see Chris Bonington Trail also). Walk the fence line and trail here for approximately 1KM from the Plynlimon summit until you reach the corner of the fence. There you'll find a slate marker leaning as if blown by the wind. Turn East off the trail and walk 250 meters at 10-11 o clock. After 200 meters the terrain starts to slope. You have reached the source of the Wye where you should hit the gullies. You are looking for the furthest gully to your left or front. Enjoy the Wye source. 

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The Way Back

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The way back is easy. You can either follow your way back the same way you came or drop down to Llyn Lygard from just above the Wye source. If heading back up to the summit you have the option of picking up part of the Pig Trail along the Maesnant, which will bring you right back to the track you walked in on. A turn left on the track and a short walk back around the first bend and your back to your car.

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Spec N Stats

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Start: Nant Y Moch    Climbing: 402 Meters    Distance: 6.5 Mile    Time: 2.5 Hours Walking Grade: 4 

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Summary

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Up until Llyn Lygard getting to the summit of Plynlimon and the Wye source from here is relatively easy. However, it's character changes at the Corrie as it becomes, for a brief time, a mountain challenge or a steep walk up. With the mighty views its invigorating and thrills you to the core. Like navigating to the Wye source via the gully route on the other side of the mountain it has a wild feel to it, which Plynlimon tends to invoke. In conclusion the Jones trail up to Plynlimon and the Wye source is for those who are fitter and more prepared to go off piste again but is full of great vistas and vibes.  

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Some Links

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River Wye. Click. Britains 5th longest river and most uninterrupted. 

Plynlimon Project. Click. A project to restore Plynlimon.

Cambrian Mountains Society. Click. All things Cambrian Mountains.

Hydrological Study. Click. Plynlimon water catchment.

Plynlimon Lead Mine. Click. Industrial history.