Carnedd Dafydd

Carnedd Dafydd

Carnedd Dafydd rises to 1,044.5 m (3,427 ft) in the Carneddau of Eryri (Snowdonia). Its rocky summit is linked by high ridges to Pen yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Llewelyn. The summit has a cairn and stone shelters; the former Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar is recorded as destroyed.

Routes

These are planning summaries, not turn-by-turn directions. Choose a complete route on a suitable map and work out distance, ascent and timing from your actual starting point. All five options are strenuous mountain outings; some include scrambling.

1. Carnedd Dafydd via Pen yr Ole Wen Circular

From Ogwen Cottage, climb the steep south spur of Pen yr Ole Wen, then follow the ridge past Carnedd Fach to Carnedd Dafydd. Retrace the ridge to Pen yr Ole Wen before descending its east ridge, with a short scramble, to Afon Lloer and Tal y Llyn. Return beside Llyn Ogwen. This strenuous mountain circuit needs confident navigation.

2. Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn Ridge Walk

From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, follow Afon Lloer and scramble onto Pen yr Ole Wen. Continue over Carnedd Dafydd and Cefn Ysgolion Duon to Carnedd Llewelyn. Descend towards Bwlch Eryl Farchog, then south to Ffynnon Llugwy and the valley paths. This long circuit includes steep ground and scrambling; plan the return to your exact start.

3. Carnedd Dafydd via Afon Lloer and Pen yr Ole Wen

Approach Cwm Lloer from the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen beside Afon Lloer. Take the established east-ridge route, including a short scramble, to Pen yr Ole Wen, then continue past Carnedd Fach to Carnedd Dafydd. Return by the same route. Wet ground, stream crossings and steep rock require care; this is a strenuous mountain outing.

4. Carnedd Dafydd from Gerlan via Mynydd Du

From Gerlan above Bethesda, use the Cwm Llafar approach to reach Mynydd Du and ascend towards Foel Meirch and Carnedd Dafydd. The upper climb is steep and rocky, with rough or indistinct sections. Return by the same route. Strong navigation is essential, especially in mist, and village parking must not obstruct residents or access.

5. Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn and Yr Elen from Gerlan

A demanding circuit from Gerlan: ascend via Mynydd Du and Foel Meirch to Carnedd Dafydd, follow Cefn Ysgolion Duon to Carnedd Llewelyn, then cross to Yr Elen. Descend towards Cwm Caseg and return to Gerlan. Expect a long mountain day with steep rock and pathless ground; plan the full route on a map and allow for difficult navigation.

Terrain, views and safety

Expect rocky ridges, boulders, scree, grassy slopes and wet ground on some approaches. In clear weather, the views include the Glyderau, Tryfan, Yr Wyddfa and Carnedd Llewelyn. Visibility and weather, rather than a particular season, determine what can be seen.

The northern cliffs and the edges beside Cefn Ysgolion Duon demand care. Mist can make navigation difficult even on broad summit ground. Check a mountain forecast, carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Bring suitable footwear, warm and waterproof layers, food, water and a torch. Snow or ice requires winter mountaineering equipment and skills. Turn back if conditions exceed the group’s abilities. In a mountain emergency, call 999 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Geology

The Carneddau have an Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary setting. BGS places the type area of the Llewelyn Volcanic Group between Carnedd Dafydd and Conwy Mountain. This group includes ash-flow tuffs and other volcanic rocks. Glaciation later shaped the surrounding Ogwen landscape.

Access and facilities

The small Ogwen Centre car park near Ogwen Cottage is at the western end of Llyn Ogwen. Parking is limited; use lawful spaces and observe A5 restrictions. Gerlan is a separate starting point for the western approaches, where parking must not obstruct residents or access.

The T10 links Bangor, Bethesda, Ogwen and Betws-y-Coed. Check the current timetable and last return service. The Ogwen Centre provides toilets and a snack bar, but carry everything needed for the mountain day and check refreshment opening arrangements.

Name and history

Carnedd Dafydd means Dafydd’s cairn, or David’s cairn. Traditions connect the name with a medieval Welsh prince, but sources differ over whether this was Dafydd ap Llywelyn or Dafydd ap Gruffydd. Coflein records the summit cairn as a probable Bronze Age burial monument, much older than either prince. Its stones should be left undisturbed.

Nearby summits

Carnedd Llewelyn (1,061.8 m) and Pen yr Ole Wen (978.5 m) are connected by the main ridge system. Elevations follow DoBIH v18.6; older guides often give different figures.