The Gwydyr Mountain Club was founded in March 1967 as a result of an advertisement placed in the Liverpool Echo. Because one of the founder members had recently been dragged up some rather desperate routes and had cowed never to go rock-climbing again; the advertisement actually referred to the formation of "a hill walking club on the Wirral". However, the use of "mountain" rather than "mountaineering" in the club’s title was intended to cover any activities carried out in wild places and in due course the said founder member did return to the rock, his fear dulled by the passage of time. It was thought that a Welsh name would be appropriate for a club that would have Snowdonia as its main activities base and so the name "Gwydyr" was chosen at random while driving past the Gwydyr Hotel in Betws-y-coed.

John Huxley on Superdirect 1970s

Early work on the chapel Tan Y Garth

The search for suitable premises in Snowdonia began almost immediately but it was not until December 1968 that a rented timber building in Llanrwst was obtained. This the famous "Llanrwst Hut" was an ideal base for us until June 1972, when we were fortunate enough to acquire our present property comprising a chapel and adjacent cottage in Capel Curig. Thanks to an enormous effort by members over the years the chapel has slowly been improved and developed and is now an excellent bunkhouse style facility in the heart of the mountains. There is a reserved weekend for members (and potential members) at least once a month. On other weekends the Chapel is let out to other groups. The cottage was renovated in 1980 and is let as a holiday cottage to families and small groups.

To mark the club’s Silver Jubilee in 1992, twenty six members traveled to Nepal and trekked in the Everest region, some members of the party attempted Mera Peak while others crossed the Ming bo La.