SH6562 : Pen yr Ole Wen

Pen yr Ole Wen

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

Philip Halling Photo source

Explore routes near Pen yr Ole Wen

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

Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

12.3 km ~5h 30m Hard

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Llyn Crafnant: Lakeside Circuit from the NRW Car Park

5.1 km ~2h Easy

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Beddgelert Forest: Derwen Circuit and Llyn Llywelyn

11 km ~4h Moderate

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Beddgelert Forest: Llyn Llywelyn Woodland Circuit

4.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Direct Ascent from Ogwen Cottage

This popular route begins at Ogwen Cottage (SH649603), following the path alongside Llyn Idwal before taking the steep ascent directly up the south-eastern ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen. The path climbs sharply, offering incredible views of the Ogwen Valley and surrounding peaks. The route requires some scrambling near the summit.

5 km ~3 hours Challenging

Pen yr Ole Wen via Cwm Lloer

Starting at the Ogwen Cottage car park, this route takes you up the gentle incline to Cwm Lloer. From here, the path ascends steeply to the ridge, providing stunning views down to the lake below. The final section involves a rugged climb to the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen.

7 km ~4 hours Challenging

Carneddau Traverse (Southern Approach)

This full-day route takes in multiple peaks of the Carneddau range, starting from Ogwen Cottage and ascending Pen yr Ole Wen first. After reaching the summit, walkers continue along the ridge to Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn, before descending towards Bethesda. A highly rewarding route for experienced walkers.

15 km ~7 hours Very Challenging

Round of Cwm Idwal and Pen yr Ole Wen

A circular route starting at Ogwen Cottage, heading around the scenic Cwm Idwal to the Devil’s Kitchen. From there, ascend Pen yr Ole Wen via the south-eastern ridge and return via the ridge overlooking Cwm Lloer. A varied route combining lakeside walking and mountain scrambling.

10 km ~5 hours Challenging

Pen yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Dafydd Loop

This loop begins at Ogwen Cottage, ascending Pen yr Ole Wen via its eastern ridge. From the summit, the route continues to Carnedd Dafydd before descending along the ridge towards the A5. A fantastic option for those seeking a shorter ridge walk with dramatic views.

8 km ~4.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain

Elevation

978m

3,209 ft

Prominence

45m

Coordinates

53.1377, -4.0106

SH655619

OS Map

115

Explorer: OL17W

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn which provides a great spot for a photo opportunity, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding mountains and the broad vista of Snowdonia.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily rocky with grassy patches particularly towards the summit area; some paths can be boggy in wet weather.

Pen yr Ole Wen is predominantly composed of hard Cambrian slates, offering stunning panoramic views and creating a dramatic landscape. The age of the rocks provides insight into the geological history of Snowdonia.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the iconic peaks of Snowdon, the Glyderau range, and the tranquil waters of Llyn Ogwen.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Pen yr Ole Wen' translates to 'Head of the White Peak', possibly referring to the snow-capped summit that gleams in sunlight.

Historical Significance

The mountain has been a popular climbing destination for over a century and remains an important part of the local outdoor culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Ogwen Cottage car park (SH 646 598) offers convenient access with a small charge. The parking area gets busy, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run from Bangor and Llandudno to the Ogwen Valley, though check seasonal timetables for the best options.

Nearby Facilities

Ogwen Cottage provides basic facilities including toilets and a cafe serving hot meals and snacks – perfect for warming up after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • As with many mountain routes, be wary of sudden weather changes, slippery rocks, and the potential for loose footing on steep sections.

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?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pen yr Ole Wen through the maps

Are there other walkers around Pen yr Ole Wen?

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 yr Ole Wen search or of course create your own walk for Pen yr Ole Wen

Can I organise a walk to Pen yr Ole Wen?

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 yr Ole Wen.

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 yr Ole Wen?

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 yr Ole Wen 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: SH655619

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Nearby Hills

Carnedd Dafydd

1,044m

Tryfan

918m

Glyder Fawr

1,001m

Y Garn

947m

Carnedd Llewelyn

1,064m
See 5 more nearby hills