At a glance
Carnedd Llewelyn (1,064 m) is the highest summit of the Carneddau and the second highest mountain in England and Wales. A remote, wild plateau roamed by semi-feral Welsh mountain ponies. Best approached from Ogwen Valley (LL57 3LZ) via Pen yr Ole Wen: allow 6–8 hours for a full day. Much quieter than Snowdon.
About Carnedd Llewelyn
Carnedd Llewelyn takes its name from Llywelyn ap Gruffudd — the last native Prince of Wales — whose territory these mountains dominated in the 13th century. At 1,064 metres, it is the highest point in the Carneddau range and the second highest mountain in England and Wales, sitting only 21 metres below Snowdon's 1,085-metre summit. Yet it attracts only a fraction of Snowdon's visitors — partly because it offers no railway, partly because the approaches are longer and the terrain more demanding, but mostly because the Carneddau are simply less well known.
The summit plateau has an arctic character that surprises those accustomed to Snowdon. The ground is broad, boggy and featureless in mist — navigation skills are essential — and the surrounding landscape has a wild emptiness unusual in Britain. The semi-feral Carneddau ponies that roam this plateau are one of its most memorable features: small, sturdy Welsh mountain ponies adapted to the harsh conditions, sometimes encountered unexpectedly in cloud on the high ridge.
The Carneddau ridge as a whole is one of the great long-distance mountain walks in Wales — a complete traverse from Ogwen to Aber or Llanfairfechan taking in seven summits above 900 metres and combining coastal views (the Irish Sea and Anglesey) with distant mountain panoramas (Snowdon, the Glyderau, the Lleyn Peninsula). It is a full-day undertaking for experienced walkers with an early start.
Route information
- Main approach — Ogwen Valley (LL57 3LZ): ascend via Pen yr Ole Wen (978 m) south ridge, then north ridge to Carnedd Llewelyn. 14 km return, 950 m ascent, 6–8 hours.
- Alternative — Gerlan / Bethesda: ascend via Cwm Llafar. Longer but more dramatic corrie scenery. Allow 8 hours.
- Full ridge traverse — Ogwen to Llanfairfechan or Aber via the full Carneddau ridge: 16 km, 1,200 m ascent, 8–10 hours. Transport at both ends required.
- Grade — Strenuous hill walk. Full navigation skills, map and compass essential. No scrambling but exposed in weather.
Visiting tips
Getting there
The Ogwen Valley approach starts at Ogwen Cottage (LL57 3LZ) on the A5 between Bethesda and Capel Curig. The car park is pay-and-display. The Snowdon Sherpa S6 bus runs along the A5 in summer — check current timetables.
Navigation
The Carneddau plateau is notoriously difficult to navigate in poor visibility — the ground is broad, rounded and lacking distinctive features. Always carry a map and compass (OS Landranger 115 or Explorer OL17) and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on GPS.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Carnedd Llewelyn stands at 1,064 metres (3,491 feet) — the highest summit in the Carneddau range and the second highest mountain in England and Wales, after Snowdon (1,085 m). The Carneddau contain the greatest concentration of high ground (above 900 metres) in England and Wales outside Snowdon itself.
The Carneddau wild ponies are a herd of semi-feral Welsh mountain ponies that roam the high plateau throughout the year — one of only a handful of wild herds in Wales. They are hardy, adapted to the harsh arctic conditions of the high Carneddau, and have lived on these mountains for centuries. Do not feed them, and keep dogs on leads near the herd. The ponies are managed by the Carneddau Pony Society.
The most popular route starts from Ogwen Cottage (LL57 3LZ) in the Ogwen Valley, ascending via Pen yr Ole Wen (978 m) and then the broad south ridge to the summit. This takes approximately 4–5 hours return and gives good views throughout. An alternative approach is from Gerlan above Bethesda, ascending via Cwm Llafar — longer but very scenic.
Yes — the Carneddau ridge is one of the great long mountain walks in Wales. From Ogwen Cottage, the full ridge takes in Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd (1,044 m), Carnedd Llewelyn, Foel Grach (976 m), Garnedd Uchaf (926 m) and Foel Fras (942 m), descending to Llanfairfechan or Aber. The full ridge is approximately 16 km with 1,200 m of ascent and takes 7–9 hours for experienced walkers.
Considerably. Carnedd Llewelyn sees a fraction of the visitors that Snowdon attracts, despite being only 21 metres lower and just as demanding. The approach routes are longer, the terrain is wilder, and the summit plateau has an arctic character unusual in Britain. Those seeking a genuine wilderness mountain day — without the Snowdon crowds — often prefer the Carneddau.