Pen yr Ole Wen Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
978m
3,209 ft
Prominence
45m
Coordinates
53.1377, -4.0106
SH655619
OS Map
115
Explorer: OL17W
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.
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.
From the summit, one can see the iconic peaks of Snowdon, the Glyderau range, and the tranquil waters of Llyn Ogwen.
The name 'Pen yr Ole Wen' translates to 'Head of the White Peak', possibly referring to the snow-capped summit that gleams in sunlight.
The mountain has been a popular climbing destination for over a century and remains an important part of the local outdoor culture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ogwen Cottage car park (SH 646 598) offers convenient access with a small charge. The parking area gets busy, especially on weekends.
Buses run from Bangor and Llandudno to the Ogwen Valley, though check seasonal timetables for the best options.
Ogwen Cottage provides basic facilities including toilets and a cafe serving hot meals and snacks – perfect for warming up after your adventure.
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Some common questions about the hills answered
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
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
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
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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.
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.
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Grid Ref: SH655619
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