SH6562 : Pen yr Ole Wen
Challenging; scrambling on main approaches

Pen yr Ole Wen

978m Elevation
45m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6562 : Pen yr Ole Wen

Philip Halling Photo source

Overview

Pen yr Ole Wen is a 978.5 m mountain above Llyn Ogwen in the Carneddau, Eryri (Snowdonia). The steep south spur and the East Ridge are strenuous mountain routes with scrambling. Longer outings can continue to Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn.

Pen yr Ole Wen

Pen yr Ole Wen rises above the northern side of Llyn Ogwen in the Carneddau, within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The Database of British and Irish Hills records a height of 978.5 m and prominence of 45.2 m. Its classifications include Furth, Simm, Hewitt and Nuttall; it is not a Marilyn.

Summit and views

The recorded highest point is ground 5 m north of a cairn at SH 65599 61946. The broad summit area and upper slopes offer views across the Ogwen Valley towards Tryfan, the Glyderau and, in clear weather, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Views vary with position and visibility. Keep clear of the surrounding crag edges.

Approaches

The direct approach from Ogwen Cottage starts north of the A5 near Llyn Ogwen’s outflow and climbs the south spur. It is steep and rough, with loose stones and short scrambles, including low on the route. It does not follow the path to Llyn Idwal. Descending this spur also requires care.

The eastern approach starts near Glan Dena, at the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. Signed access paths lead towards Afon Lloer and Cwm Lloer. Before reaching Ffynnon Lloer, the route turns west onto the East Ridge. A short Grade 1 rock-gully scramble needs hands as well as feet and has a risk of a serious fall. An out-and-back descent requires downclimbing it. The lower paths can be wet and boggy.

Experienced walkers can continue around Cwm Lloer to Carnedd Dafydd, or undertake a longer circuit over Carnedd Llewelyn. Returning via Bwlch Eryl Farchog and Ffynnon Llugwy adds another scrambling section and a steep descent. Decide on the complete route and valley return in advance. Carry OS Explorer OL17 or another suitable mountain map covering the entire planned route.

Geology and name

The mountain includes Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The Braich Tŷ Du section on its western side exposes volcanic tuffs, intrusions and marine sediments.

The name is interpreted as “Head of the White Slope”, with Ole derived from goleddf, meaning slope or hillside.

Access and facilities

The National Park Authority’s Ogwen Centre car park has limited capacity. Use designated parking and obey current restrictions. The T10 serves Ogwen between Bangor, Bethesda and Betws-y-Coed; check the current timetable and your return journey. The visitor centre has toilets, drinks and snacks. Check opening times and bring your own food and water.

Safety

Steep ground, loose stones, scrambling, crag edges and rapidly changing weather require sound mountain judgement. Cloud can obscure the summit and ridge paths. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them; take suitable clothing, food, water, a headtorch and emergency equipment, and leave your route with someone. Snow and ice require appropriate winter equipment and skills. Turn back if conditions exceed your ability. In an emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Sources and review

Information reviewed: 15 October 2026.

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Route planning notes

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

South spur from Ogwen Cottage

From Ogwen Cottage, locate the mountain path north of the A5 by the outflow of Llyn Ogwen. Climb the south spur through steep, rough ground, scree and short scrambles, including near the start. This is a strenuous ascent. Retracing it requires care on the loose descent; plan your route and alternatives before setting out.

Challenging

East Ridge via Cwm Lloer

Start near Glan Dena at the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. Follow signed paths towards Afon Lloer, then turn west onto the East Ridge before reaching Ffynnon Lloer. A short Grade 1 rock-gully scramble requires hands and has a risk of falling. Continue to the summit. Returning the same way involves downclimbing; lower paths can be boggy.

Challenging

High Carneddau circuit via Pen yr Ole Wen

From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, climb the East Ridge and continue over Carnedd Dafydd to Carnedd Llewelyn. Descend towards Bwlch Eryl Farchog, negotiating another scramble, then take the steep path to Ffynnon Llugwy and its access track to the A5. Return using the valley bridleway via Gwern Gof Isaf and Gwern Gof Uchaf, with care at road crossings. This is a long, exposed mountain day requiring navigation skills.

Very Challenging

South spur and East Ridge circuit

From Ogwen Cottage, ascend the south spur, then descend the East Ridge, including its rock-gully scramble, into Cwm Lloer. Follow Afon Lloer towards Tal y Llyn Ogwen and return by the signed north-shore path. The lakeside section has boggy ground and rocky steps; follow the farmyard bypass and take care at the A5.

Challenging

Pen yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Dafydd return

Approach Pen yr Ole Wen by the East Ridge from the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. Continue along the ridge around Cwm Lloer to Carnedd Dafydd, then retrace the ridge over Pen yr Ole Wen and descend the East Ridge. The return includes downclimbing the short scramble. Stay back from crag edges and navigate carefully in cloud. This is an out-and-back ridge extension.

Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain

Elevation

978m

3,210 ft

Prominence

45m

Coordinates

53.1377, -4.0106

SH655619

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The recorded highest point is ground 5 m north of a cairn at SH 65599 61946. The summit area is broad and rocky.

Terrain & Geology

Steep rocky paths loose scree and short scrambling sections broad stony summit and high ridges grassy slopes and sometimes boggy lower paths in Cwm Lloer

Pen yr Ole Wen includes Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The Braich Tŷ Du section on its western side exposes volcanic tuffs, igneous intrusions and marine sediments.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, the summit area and upper slopes give views across the Ogwen Valley to Tryfan, the Glyderau and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with Llyn Ogwen below and the higher Carneddau to the north. Views vary with position on the broad summit.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

“Head of the White Slope”. John Nuttall’s account of consultation with Professor Owen at Bangor’s Place-Name Research Centre derives Ole from goleddf, meaning slope or hillside.

Historical Significance

The National Trust records a walker-built shelter and cairn on the south-west edge of the summit area, considered recent rather than prehistoric. This feature is separate from the database’s description of the true highest point.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The National Park Authority’s small Ogwen Centre car park, near Ogwen Cottage and the western end of Llyn Ogwen (approximately SH649603), provides access to the south spur. The East Ridge approach starts near the eastern end of the lake. Parking is limited: use designated spaces, obey current A5 restrictions and consider the bus from Bethesda. Check current charges locally.

Public Transport

The TrawsCymru T10 serves Ogwen between Bangor, Bethesda and Betws-y-Coed. Check the current timetable, stopping points and last return service before travelling. Bws Ogwen is another local option when operating; check its current schedule.

Nearby Facilities

The Ogwen visitor centre near Ogwen Cottage has toilets and a snack bar offering drinks and snacks. Check opening times; carry enough food and water for the mountain.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, loose ground and short scrambles on the south spur; take particular care on descent.
  • The East Ridge has a short Grade 1 scramble requiring hands, with a risk of a serious fall.
  • Crag edges, strong winds and poor visibility make route-finding hazardous; carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
  • Lower Cwm Lloer paths can be boggy; stream crossings and wet rock require care.
  • Take care at A5 crossings and roadside sections; use signed access paths and obey current restrictions.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice make the mountain and its scrambles substantially more serious and require appropriate winter equipment and skills. Short daylight hours, high winds and poor visibility need conservative planning. Check the mountain forecast and turn back if conditions exceed your ability.

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 yr Ole Wen?

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

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Can I suggest a new route up Pen yr Ole Wen?

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Location

Pen yr Ole Wen location map

Grid reference: SH655619

View on OpenStreetMap

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Nearby Hills

Carnedd Dafydd

1,044m

Tryfan

918m

Glyder Fawr

1,001m

Y Garn

946m

Carnedd Llewelyn

1,062m
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