Pen-y-garth

200m Elevation
31m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Pen-y-garth

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cwm Pen-y-garth Route

A scenic route starting from the valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

7 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

200m

656 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

53.1601, -3.7808

SH810640

OS Map

116

Explorer: OL17E

At the Summit

A stone cairn sits at the summit, often adorned with local flora as if nature wanted to dress it up for a special occasion.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with heather and occasional boggy patches to keep you on your toes.

Predominantly formed from volcanic rocks with some sedimentary layers, contributing to its rugged appearance and rich biodiversity.

Views & Scenery

Dramatic vistas of the Glyderau range and Llyn Ogwen, among other breathtaking views.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Pen-y-garth' loosely translates to 'Head of the Enclosure', indicating its historical significance as a defensible position.

Historical Significance

This area has been a vital route for generations, and it carries rich folklore tied to local legends and scenic beauty.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Free parking available at the Cwm Pen-y-garth parking area, located at SH800632.

Public Transport

Buses to nearby towns like Betws-y-Coed; however, consider taxi services for the final stretch.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés and public toilets can be found in Capel Curig, a perfect place to grab a snack before the ascent.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for unexpected weather changes; ensure you're prepared for rain or mist. Rocky sections can be slippery when wet.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Pen-y-garth?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pen-y-garth through the maps

Are there other walkers around Pen-y-garth?

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 Pen-y-garth search or of course create your own walk for Pen-y-garth

Can I organise a walk to Pen-y-garth?

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 Pen-y-garth.

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 Pen-y-garth?

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 Pen-y-garth 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SH810640

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.