The Carneddau are my favourite mountains in Eryri. Mainly because you’re almost guaranteed to see the beautiful wild Carneddau Ponies when you walk in this epic mountain range. Descendants of horses that have roamed these hills for centuries.
While many walkers head straight for Yr Wyddfa or the rugged peaks of the Glyderau, the Carneddau offer something a little different. This is Wales’ largest mountain range, a place of broad grassy summits, sweeping ridges, hidden cwms, crystal-clear lakes and some of the quietest mountain walking in the National Park.
I’ve been gradually exploring every corner of the Carneddau over the last few years and these are the walks I keep coming back to. Whether you’re looking for your first mountain walk, a peaceful half-day hike or an unforgettable full-day adventure, there’s something here for every level of hiker.
I’ve only listed 10 hikes below but there are so many more if you explore them all here – Carneddau Hikes
Stay Safe in the Mountains
The Carneddau are spectacular, but they can also be unforgiving. Every year, Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue responds to hundreds of incidents, many involving walkers who underestimated the weather or their route.
If you’re new to mountain walking, choose a clear day with plenty of daylight, and always check a dedicated mountain weather forecast before setting out. Conditions on the summits can be dramatically different from those in the valley, with stronger winds, lower temperatures and poor visibility arriving without warning.
The mountains will always be there. If in doubt, turn back. You can find a guide to the best weather apps here – How to Check Mountain Weather
| Walk | Distance | Main Summit(s) | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bera Bach from Abergwyngregyn | 4.6 miles (7.4 km) | Bera Bach | 4–5 hrs | Easy–Moderate |
| Crimpiau from Capel Curig | 3.7 miles (6 km) | Crimpiau | 2–3 hrs | Easy |
| Y Drum from Bwlch y Ddeufaen | 5.3 miles (8.5 km) | Y Drum | 3–4 hrs | Easy–Moderate |
| Llanfairfechan Circular | 8.3 miles (13.4 km) | Garreg Fawr | 4–5 hrs | Moderate |
| Llyn Dulyn – The Aviators’ Graveyard | 9.5 miles (15.3 km) | Foel Grach | 5–6 hrs | Moderate |
| Crafnant Circular | 8.5 miles (13.7 km) | Creigiau Gleision, Craig Wen, Crimpiau | 5–6 hrs | Moderate |
| Yr Elen via Dragon’s Teeth Ridge | 8.4 miles (13.5 km) | Yr Elen | 6–7 hrs | Moderate–Hard |
| Cwm Lloer Loop (Pen yr Ole Wen) | 5.9 miles (9.5 km) | Pen yr Ole Wen | 5–6 hrs | Hard |
| Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe | 10.8 miles (17.4 km) | Pen Llithrig y Wrach, Pen yr Helgi Du, Carnedd Llewelyn | 7–8 hrs | Hard |
| Carneddau Traverse | 20.5 miles (33 km) | Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn, Foel Grach, Foel Fras, Drum, Conwy Mountain | 10–12 hrs | Very Hard |
1. Crimpiau Walk from Capel Curig
Best for: Incredible views without a huge climb
If you’re looking for maximum reward for relatively little effort, this is hard to beat.
Although Crimpiau is one of the lower summits on the edge of the Carneddau, it has one of the finest viewpoints in Eryri. From the summit you can look across Llyn Crafnant towards Tryfan, the Glyderau and the heart of the National Park.
It’s an ideal introduction to mountain walking and a great option if you’re short on time.
Perfect for: Beginners, photographers and sunset walks.
2. Bera Bach from Abergwyngregyn
Best for: Your first Carneddau summit?
Bera Bach is one of those mountains that often gets overlooked, but it really shouldn’t.
Starting from Abergwyngregyn, the route climbs steadily onto open moorland before reaching the distinctive rocky summit. The views stretch across the North Wales coast, Anglesey and deep into the Carneddau. If Aber Falls is on your list then maybe if the weather is fine and you have some extra hours you could try a hike up to Bera Bach.
Perfect for: Anyone wanting to escape the crowds.
3. Y Drum from Bwlch y Ddeufaen
Best for: Big views on a quieter mountain
Y Drum is often bypassed by walkers heading towards Foel Fras, but it deserves a visit in its own right.
Starting from Bwlch y Ddeufaen, this is a relatively gentle walk with wide paths, expansive views and a real feeling of space. On a clear day you can see across Conwy Bay, Anglesey and the mountains of Eryri.
It’s an excellent choice if you want a mountain walk without committing to a full day’s expedition.
Perfect for: Relaxed mountain days and quieter summits. Great for beginner hikers as the paths are very clear.
4. Llanfairfechan Circular Walk
Best for: History lovers
This is far more than a mountain walk.
The route combines rolling Carneddau scenery with one of the best-preserved sections of the ancient Roman road across North Wales. Passing Garreg Fawr and Bwlch y Ddeufaen, you’ll walk through a landscape that’s been used for thousands of years.
It’s one of my favourite walks because it combines history, archaeology and fantastic views in a single route.
Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys learning about the landscape as they walk.
5. Llyn Dulyn – The Aviators’ Graveyard
Best for: A walk with a fascinating story
This route leads to the wild, lonely waters of Llyn Dulyn, forever linked with the tragic crash of a Lancaster bomber during the Second World War. The remote setting only adds to the atmosphere, making this one of the most memorable walks in the Carneddau.
Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, quiet paths and a real sense of isolation.
Perfect for: History enthusiasts and anyone looking for somewhere a little different.
6. Crafnant Circular
Best for: Escaping the crowds
If you’re searching for peace and quiet, this could be the walk for you.
Starting near Llyn Crafnant, the route explores the beautiful ridge of Creigiau Gleision before returning via stunning mountain scenery and a tranquil lake.
It’s one of those walks where you can happily spend hours without seeing many other people.
Perfect for: Experienced walkers wanting a quieter side of Eryri.
7. Yr Elen via Dragon’s Teeth Ridge
Best for: A quieter Welsh 3,000-footer (if you go via this route)
Overshadowed by neighbouring Carnedd Llewelyn, Yr Elen is one of the finest summits in the Carneddau.
This route takes you through stunning Cwm Caseg before it climbs via the wonderfully named and dramatic Dragon’s Teeth Ridge. The final ascent rewards you with magnificent views across the heart of the Carneddau.
If you’ve already tackled a few 3,000-foot summits, this route takes you away from the busiest paths but you’re still rewarded with the amazing views. Beware – it can be very boggy.
Perfect for: Walkers looking for solitutude and gauranteed views of Carneddau Ponies
8. Cwm Lloer Loop
Best for: Your first mountain scramble perhaps?
This route adds just enough excitement without becoming overly technical.
The beautiful setting of Cwm Lloer is worth visiting on its own, but adding the scramble onto Pen yr Ole Wen creates a brilliant mountain adventure.
It’s a fantastic way to build confidence if you’re thinking about tackling more adventurous routes in Eryri and you could easily add on Carnedd Llewelyn if you have an extra hour.
Perfect for: Walkers wanting to try scrambling for the first time.
9. Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe
Best for: One of the finest mountain days in Wales
If I had to recommend just one big Carneddau walk, this would be the top of the list.
The Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe links together several magnificent summits, includes a short scramble and offers breathtaking views throughout.
This is a proper mountain day with everything that makes the Carneddau special – wild landscapes, huge ridges, quiet paths and unforgettable scenery.
Perfect for: Experienced hikers looking for a classic route.
10. Full Carneddau Traverse
Best for: The ultimate Carneddau challenge
Starting at Llyn Ogwen and finishing in Conwy, this epic journey crosses the backbone of the entire mountain range, linking together many of its highest summits.
It’s a demanding walk that requires fitness, planning and favourable weather, but the reward is one of the greatest mountain adventures in Wales. It can be done in one day but it’s better to include a wild camp and take your time over two days.
If you’re looking for a route to remember for years, this is it.
Perfect for: Experienced mountain walkers seeking an unforgettable challenge and an opportunity for a wild camp.
Why I Love the Carneddau
Every mountain range has its own character. The Glyderau are dramatic and rugged. Yr Wyddfa is iconic. But the Carneddau are quieter, wilder and somehow feel more remote.
You can spend a whole day wandering across broad grassy ridges, encounter the famous Carneddau ponies grazing on the hillsides and finish your walk having met surprisingly few other people. You also get the amazing views of the Glyderau!
Every visit reveals another hidden cwm, a fun rocky path, another peaceful ridge or another iconic view. If you’re planning your first visit to the Carneddau, I hope these walks inspire you to discover this remarkable corner of Eryri for yourself.
And if you’ve already fallen in love with these mountains, I’d love to hear which route is your favourite – get in touch on my Instagram or Facebook page.
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