Carnedd Llewelyn

Carnedd Llewelyn

Carnedd Llewelyn Group Walks | Join a Walk

1,064m Elevation
750m Prominence
Wales Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Furth Sim Hewitt Nuttall High Hill of Britain County Top (Current)

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Elevation

1,064m

3,491 ft

Prominence

750m

Coordinates

53.1602, -3.9703

SH683643

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17E OL17W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent trig point, offering a perfect spot for a selfie or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, a 'summit snack' break beneath the windswept skies.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with sections of grassy slopes interspersed with some boggy areas - your boots will thank you for waterproofing!

Carnedd Llewelyn is primarily composed of granite and slate. This fused mix makes for a rugged landscape featuring cliff faces and steep gullies, while offering a hint of the ancient geological forces that shaped this part of North Wales.

Views & Scenery

Stunning views of the Snowdon massif, the Glyderau mountains, and the expansive coastline of Anglesey. On a clear day, you might even spot the Isle of Man peeping at you in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carnedd Llewelyn' translates to 'Llewelyn's Cairn', honouring Prince Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, a notable figure in Welsh history.

Historical Significance

The mountain has routes that were historically important for local farmers and traders, and it remains an essential aspect of local culture and adventure tourism.

Popular Routes

The Classic Horseshoe via Pen yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Dafydd

Challenging

This iconic route begins from Ogwen Cottage and ascends Pen yr Ole Wen before crossing the ridge to Carnedd Dafydd and finally reaching Carnedd Llewelyn. It offers stunning views of the Glyderau and Snowdonia. The descent can be made via the ridge to Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir.

12.5 km 6 hours

Direct Ascent from Ffynnon Llugwy

Moderate

Starting from the Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir car park, this route ascends steeply northwards to gain the ridge between Pen yr Helgi Du and Carnedd Llewelyn. This is a quicker, direct route but requires good navigation skills in poor weather.

8 km 4.5 hours

The Eastern Ridge via Pen yr Helgi Du

Moderate

This route starts near Llyn Eigiau and follows the ridge over Pen yr Helgi Du before tackling the ridge to Carnedd Llewelyn. It is a quieter route, offering a more remote experience with fantastic views across the Carneddau range.

14 km 7 hours

High Carneddau Traverse from Bethesda

Very Challenging

This long-distance traverse begins in Bethesda and climbs over the southern Carneddau peaks, including Carnedd Dafydd, before reaching Carnedd Llewelyn. It is a full-day outing suitable for experienced walkers.

18 km 9 hours

Circular Route from Gerlan

Challenging

This circular route ascends from Gerlan near Bethesda, following the ridge to Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn before descending via Yr Elen. It combines dramatic ridge walking with a satisfying loop back to the start.

16 km 7.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The closest parking area is at the car park in the village of Abergwyngregyn, which is a short walk away from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Buses run from Bangor to Abergwyngregyn, making public transport a viable option for those who prefer not to drive.

Nearby Facilities

Abergwyngregyn offers basic facilities including a small café and toilets; however, for more options, the bustling town of Bangor is your closest best bet.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep ascents, potential for sudden weather changes, and loose rocks on the path; it’s not a stroll in the park, but more like an invitation to adventure.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carnedd Llewelyn?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carnedd Llewelyn through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carnedd Llewelyn?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carnedd Llewelyn search or of course create your own walk for Carnedd Llewelyn

Can I organise a walk to Carnedd Llewelyn?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Carnedd Llewelyn.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Carnedd Llewelyn?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Carnedd Llewelyn here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible