Wanders in the Western Carneddau: Yr Elen & Carnedd Llewelyn

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Mountain Walks
May 17
2025

12 people attending

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2 people waitlisted

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£12.50
Event booking closes on May 17 at 09:30:00
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This hike is about 18.5km (11.5 miles) with roughly 1100m (3600 ft) of ascent. While nothing technical, there are several steep ascents and descents. Terrain is a mix of upland tracks and rocky open access land.

Join OutdoorLads for a big day in the mountains as we complete a circuit of some of Eryri's tallest peaks, summitting six of the Carneddau's many peaks.

Points of interest on the route:

Yr Elen: At 962m, this is the Carneddau's least visited peak, being a diversion on most classic routes. Our route takes us directly over the summit, giving us a great panorama of the rest of the Carneddau ridge. 

Carnedd Llywelyn : At 1065m, this is our tallest peak and the summit of the Carneddau range; which is the highest area of upland habitat in the British Isles outside of Scotland. Due to it's vastness, the mountains are home to a large number of rare upland species, such as Hen Harriers, Ravens, Peregrine Falcons and Dotterels.

Foel Grach: At 976m, our third summit means the scabby hill, due the shattered rocks strewn over the summit. The summit also has a well built refuge, which will be a great lunch spot should the weather turn.

Carnedd Gwenllian: At 925m, out fourth hill has an interesting etymology. It's name was recently changed to be named after Gwenllian of Wales, the only daughter of the legendary Prince Llywelyn, from whom Carnedd Llywelyn gets it's name.

Bera Bach: At 807m, this summit, our fifth, may be one of the most geologically interesting in the Carneddau, with rock stacks and shards shooting off in multiple directions. Scrambling to the top is good fun, provided the rocks are dry.

Drosgl: At 758m, our final summit may be the shortest, however may offer the most spectacular views. If the visibility is good we'll be able to see all along the North Wales coast and even as far as the Isle of Man.

The Carneddau Ponies: During the walk, we may come across the wild ponies that inhabit the mountains. The ponies have lived here for hundreds of years, surviving by feeding on the native upland plants. If we do see them, make sure not to approach too closely, as they are wild and shouldn't be frightened.

Other Information:

Sunday Walk: If you want to make a weekend of it, come and join the Sunday walk to Aber Falls. Aber Falls via The North Wales Pilgrim's Way | OutdoorLads

Dog Suitability:

Dogs are always welcome on my walks, though their behaviour and safety is their owner's responsibility. This includes cleaning up after them, controlling their behaviour around other animals or people, and assisting them over any stiles or streams we may cross.

New Members

Please feel free to sign up as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statementin addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Image/photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse