Highlight • Summit
Carnedd Dafydd
Hiking
5.0
(128)
Running
5.0
(2)
On the edge of Snowdonia National Park, the views you’ll enjoy hiking up Carnedd Dafydd are more than just mountains and valleys. To the north west, Conwy Bay, the Irish Sea and Anglesey are all so close it feels as though you could reach out and touch them.
Climbing past the crags of the Carneddau
If you’re in the mood for a challenge, you can hike from the A5 at Pont Pen y Benglog, directly up Pen yr Ole Wen and along the ridge to Dafydd’s glorious summit. Alternatively, a sometimes boggy route can be had from the east end of Llyn Ogwen, following the Afon Lloer stream up. You can also ascend from Bethesda to the north west, following Afon Llafar for the exceptional Llech Ddu Spur grade one scramble. The summit offers a loose cairn shelter of sorts, enough to get out of any direction of wind and have a rest (read: snack).
Expanding this hike is easy, almost necessary. The Carneddau ridge offers fantastic views on clear days and breathtaking scenes when the weather comes in, hulking clouds squatting on Snowdon, revealing just its peak if you’re lucky. With the stunning Tryfan and the Glyders to the south, views don’t really get better than this. You can follow the ridge as far as time permits and enjoy out-and-back or loop walks.
Ascend Carnedd Dafydd throughout the year but watch out for changeable weather and strong winds. When snow and ice descend, only experienced winter mountaineers should attempt this summit.
Find refreshments and accommodation at the YHA in Pont Pen y Benglog, Bethesda or Capel Curig.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
November 7, 2018
Hiking
December 2, 2019
Hiking
October 28, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Carnedd Dafydd
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,040 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
11°C
3°C
27 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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