The Carneddau from Llyn Ogwen
Key:
Mountain over 914m
Peak over 600m
Peak under 600m
Length: 13km Height gain: 980m Highest point: 1064m Approx time: 5 - 6 hours gpx file
A fine walk including the three highest mountains on the Carneddau, with views across to the Glyderau and Snowdon, as well as the Menai Straits. Care needs to be taken when attempting this walk in poor visibility.
Park just along from Llyn Ogwen, on the A5 and make your way to the water company road (GR 687602) and follow this up to near the Ffynnon Llugwy Reservoir. Just before you reach the reservoir turn off to the right, following the track up to the Bwlch between Pen yr Helgi Du and Craig yr Ysfa. From this point there is a view down the Conwy Valley ahead of you. Turn to the left (NE) and head up to some steep rock. Pick a route up here, and then keeping the cliffs of Craig yr Ysfa and Cwm Eigiau to your right head for the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn.
On the summit you can see the walk round to Carnedd Dafydd on a clear day. If you have the time and energy you could add the ridge walk to Yr Elen, which will add approximately 45 - 60 minutes to the days walk. If you do then it is necessary to take the same route back on to Carnedd Llewelyn.
From the summit shelter on Carnedd Llewelyn, head off South to Carnedd Dafydd. The ridge should be obvious in good weather, but in poor visibility the way off Carnedd Llewellyn can be hard to find, and appropriate care needs to be taken. The walk to Carnedd Dafydd should take approximately 45 minutes, and is over fairly flat ground after the initial drop frinitial drop from Carnedd Llewelyn. If you want to shorten the walk then you can descend to the south 0.5 km before you reach the summit of Carnedd Dafydd. This is quite steep ground and care needs to be taken, however it will bring you to Ffynnon Lloer thus cutting out Pen yr Ole Wen.
From Carnedd Dafydd head in a SW direction from the summit shelters to the cliffs of Cwm Lloer. Keep these on your left and head round to the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen. From here there are two options. Either head off South, which is a steep and difficult route, or more enjoyable follow the cliffs around Cwm Lloer and descend the East face (includes a small amount of difficulty but less than the South face) till you reach Ffynnon Lloer. From here follow the stream leaving the lake back to the A5, and walk along the road to the starting point.
