The Carneddau Guided Walk
Snowdonia Guided Walk:
The Carneddau
The Carneddau have a remote feel and are perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds of Snowdon whilst still wanting the challenge and thrill of climbing big mountains in stunning locations.
The Carneddau have it all. Three of the Welsh 3000’s, exhilarating ridgelines and spectacular sea views.
Who is it for?
This walk is perfect for people who are fairly fit and want a challenge. There is a short and easy scrambling section that requires the use of hands so isn't suitable for people with an acute fear of heights.
We accept children of 13 years and over on our Group Walks. Anyone under the age of 18 has to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Please contact us to arrange a Private Guiding walk for parents and children under 13 years of age.
What equipment do I need?
We will send you a detailed kit list upon booking and again shortly before the event.
Normal hiking gear is needed and this varies a little depending on the time of year and the forecast on the day. Items that are always required which you may need to go out and buy include walking boots/ walking shoes (not trainers), a waterproof jacket and a rucksack.
We can give you advice about what to buy if you have booked onto one of our walks.
Where does it start?
We will send you out detailed Event Notes by email before the walk which include where and when to meet and parking instructions.
Instructors
All of our instructors are fully qualified Mountain Leaders with a minimum of a 16 hour First Aid certificate. All participants are covered by our Public Liability Insurance.
The Carneddau
Route Description
The Carneddau (pronounced car-neth-aye) Guided hike begins by heading north past the Tal y Llyn Farm. After a couple of walls and a stream, you will then be in open country as you track the Afon Lloer upstream to it’s source at the lake Ffynnan Lloer. The Cwm which surrounds the lake is impressive and you will scramble up its southerly flank. Hands on scrambling sections are short but fun as you gain height to the first of four peaks Pen yr Ole Wen. On a good day you will have spectacular views of the ‘L’ shaped Ogwen valley consisting of the Nant Ffrancon valley to the north and the Nant y Benglog valley to the east with the backdrop of the rocky peaks of Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan.
Height is largely maintained from this point on with no more serious climbs as you head across the barren ground past the cairn on Carnedd Fach towards the second summit of the day Carnedd Dafydd (1044m). From here you head along the ‘Cefn Ysgolion Duon’. On a clear day you will have tremendous views down the remote valley containing the Afon Llafar stream as it stretches towards the Menai Strait.
The route resumes heading north west along the pleasant ridge of the Bwlch Cyfrw–drum before gradually swinging north as it gains height. Waiting for you at the top is the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn (1064) the third highest mountain in Snowdonia and the highest mountain in the Carneddau. With any luck you will have unrivalled views of both the sea and the breathtaking, rocky and dramatic north face of Carnedd Dafydd. From here the route is in a southerly direction back towards the Ogwen Valley.
