Carneddau from the South

This superb circuit climbs from near the head of Llyn Ogwen lake to the south of the Carnaddeau, straight up the hillside besides the Lloer stream to the base of the classic cirque of Cwm Lloer with the Fynnon Lloer lake nestled in its heart and hidden from the land to the south by the rocky eastern ridge of 978m Pen yr Ole Wen.

You turn west to climb this ridge (scramble in places) to the flattish top of Pen yr Ole Wen. This is a long and often steep climb, but rewards with marvellous views south to ever-thrilling Tryfan and the Glyderau behind it. (You can climb straight up the Yr Ole Wen ridge from the foot of Llyn Ogwen if you really want to beast yourself.)

You now turn right (north) to follow the rocky, barren ridge to Carnedd Dafydd, which is poised between two huge cirques, with the chasm of Llafor to its north. Next is a long swing around the ridge between these cirques, which is at times quite narrow and always spectacular, to even rougher Carnedd Llewelyn, the Carneddaus' highest peak at 1,064m.

Thence more fabulous ridge walking, including a scrambled descent and narrow ridge, south to the base of the high Pen Yr Helgi Du ridge; you can either climb to and descend along that ridge – preferable in good weather – back to the deep Ogwen valley; or drop steeply to the reservoir at the ridge’s foot then on a metalled track back to the main road. 16km, 6-7.5hrs, of amazing walking.

See our Carneddau page for more options, and our Snowdonia page for helpful practical information, photos ideas and any risks to consider.