Eryri mountains (Day1) Pen-yr-Ole-Wen & Carneddau
3 people attending
7 places left
Day one of a weekend among the best of Eryri's (Snowdonia) mountains. Click here for Day 2
On Day 1 we'll be aiming to tick off tree of the Welsh 3,000`s and ponder the architecture, history and geology of the Carneddau as we pass through some of the oldest mountains of Snowdonia.
From the east-end of Llyn (lake!) Ogwen valley, we'll climb, gently at first, but becoming increasingly steadily, up towards glacial cwm below Pen yr Ole Wen's Eastern ridge, along which the ascent becomes steeper still until we reach the first of three summits, (Pen yr Ole Wen 978m); where we'll pause to appreciate the views back to Tryfan and the Glyderau, and maybe Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon!) beyond (assuming the cloud is above us). From here the route is more undulating, dropping a little but with a bit of a steep pull up onto Carnedd Dafydd (1044m), along the top of a prominent edge and then a narrower ridge before for a final slog up onto Carnedd Llewelyn (1064m) from where, weather and progress permitting, we'll ponder how and when the mountain landscape around us was formed. Leaving the summit plateau we head down Penywaun-wen and along the spectacular ridge of Bwlch Eryl Farchog and up to the final top of Pen yr Helgi Du (833m) and gentle descent down the shoulder of Y Braich back down in to the Ogwen valley, and along a briddleway back to the starting point.
This will be a challenging days walk taking in Wales' highest mountain after Snowdon. We'll cover about 17km (10½miles) with around 1,200m of ascent. Sections of the route are quite poorly defined and boggy, especially at the start, and there are a couple of rock-steps to be tackled; one on the ascent, the other, a slab, to be down climbed (see the last of the photo's above!). Neither are technical or particularly exposed (but a slip wouldn’t end well!) but do require some Hands-on-rock for balance while you stretch your leg muscles a little more than usual! Anyone anxious or in experienced on this type of terrain should carefully consider this before signing up, as neither can be easily avoided!
At weekend event? Whilst this is one of two events over this weekend, it's not necessary to do the other to book on to this event, you're more than welcome to attend just the one walk. However, for those travelling from a far and making a weekend of, the leaders will be staying at a local campsite, and you're more than welcome to join us, just message us for details. But of course you're more than welcome to make other arrangements.
Don't waste that space! Spring and summer walks generally have lots of new and existed members eager to get out more. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else.
Is it dog friendly? Dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
Participation Statement: you MUST complete a Participation Statement, in 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.
What to bring
This is a full mountain day - in Snowdonia; so the weather should hold no surprises! You will need sturdy, waterproof walking boots (not trainers). It may be summer but you may well need waterproofs (including trousers), Warm, layered clothing (to suit changing body temperature as we climb steeply and rest) and some spare layers too, along with hat or Cap (to stay warm, or shaded in sun) and it might even be worth throwing a pair of gloves in your bag too! But let's be optimistic and remember the sun-cream too!
Rucksack, with waterproof bags/drybags to keep everything dry - including a waterproof bag for your phone.
Don't forget walking Poles - if you have them and prefer to use them; there are some steep sections of ascent and descent.
As well food and water, don't forget any personal medication you may need during the day.
If you're interested in map-reading & Navigating: OS Explorer OL17 (1:25,000) or Landranger 115 (1:50,000) cover the full walk.
Food & drink
Please bring enough food; lunch and snacks, as well as water (ideally 2Litres) for a full day on the hill, as we won't be passing anywhere for buying food or drink on the walk.