High Carneddau Mountain Hike
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This is a wonderful, full days' walk across the High Carneddau taking in 3 of the 14 highest mountains (over 3,000 feet) in North Wales.
Our route follows the river from our start point in Ogwen valley to Ffynnon Loer lake (translates into English as 'Well of the Moon') then a scramble up Pen yr Ole Wen (978m).
From the top of Pen yr Ole Wen, we will traverse over the top of the Carneddau, this being the largest continuous area above 2,500 feet high in England or Wales. The rewards and views come quick and fast and we will take an hour or two crossing this mostly easy traverse with plenty of opportunity therefore to enjoy all that a mountain walk can offer.
We take in the peaks of Carnedd Fach (964m), Carnedd Dafydd (1,044m) and Carnedd Llewelyn which at 1,064m (3,425 ft) is second only to Snowdon for being the highest mountain in Wales.
It just keeps getting better though as we then start to descend via a shorter but more rugged scramble down Craig yr Ysfa, and then onto our final climb and easy scramble for the day - up Pen yr Helgi Du (836m).
It's all down hill from here but the easy (if boggy at times) descent gives an opportunity to enjoy the views across the valley to Tryfan and its famous North Ridge and the Glyderau range beyond whilst reflecting on a day well spent in the mountains.
A voracious appetite and good night's sleep will certainly await after the walk, and hopefully a sense of satisfaction and a desire for more in the future.
Difficulty
Distance 17.5Km (11 miles). Elevation Gain 1,150 m (3,800 feet). 3 Very steep / scramble sections (grade 1 or less with some exposure).
This is a substantial and full-on day out in the mountains. A good level of fitness and previous experience of at least hill walking and preferably mountain walking, together with a head for heights is necessary to enjoy the day. At a steady and reasonable pace, this walk should take about 8 hours, allowing a total of 60 minutes for breaks throughout the day.
Weather conditions
The walk may need to be changed or postponed in event of extreme weather conditions.
Equipment
Please see the kit list for full details. Food and plenty of water (2 to 3 litres is my suggestion especially if weather is warm / dry). Waterproof / Windproofs essential. Hat, gloves.
It is a a good idea to bring sunglasses, sunhat and suncream too just in case; there is absolutely no shade anywhere on this walk if the sun is out and UV light from the sun is quite a bit stronger at higher altitudes.
Dogs
This walk is not suitable for dogs with some possible exceptions.
Whilst dogs are normally welcome on my walks, the scrambles on this walk make it unsuitable for most dogs. The possible exception is if you and your dog are experienced at scrambling and climbing in the mountains, in which case, please contact the leader before the event to discuss. I will be leaving both my dogs at home for this one though.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message the event leader (click on leaders name below, then send a message), 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
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What to bring
Standard mountain kit list:
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking to keep you dry in rain and protected against strong wind. Ideally, it should be waterproof and breathable to reduce build up of sweat. Materials such as Gore-Tex™ are often the best choices.
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walkers should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential to keep the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walkers should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100-weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30-40 litres with equipment being placed in waterproof bags or a liner inside. A small peddle bin liner can work well to keep spare clothing dry.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a whistle, a medical kit, a head-torch.
Head Torch: With full charge or spare batteries.
Map & Compass: Bring a map and compass if you are interested in doing some navigating practice!
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies. Turning your phone to airplane mode will almost double the battery life as it avoids the phone boosting its singal power searching for a non-existant connection.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water (2 to 3 litres) and lots of high energy, ready to eat snacks plus a packed lunch.