A slightly different take on the classic Carneddau plateau in North Wales starting and finishing in Bethesda but still taking in both Dafydd and Llewellyn but without the crowds.
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Bethesda > Carnedd Dafydd
> Carnedd Llewellyn > Foel Grach >
Bethesda
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Distance: 11.5miles
(18.5Km)
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Height Gain: 2467ft
(752m)
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Overview: A round trip from Bethesda
into the heart of the Carneddau, this walk has something for
everyone with woods, rivers, stunning precipices and
more.
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Maps: Ordnance Survey: OL17 /
LR115
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 3
Technicality: 1
Photogenic Grade: 4
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Start Point: SH
627 654
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A round trip from Bethesda into the heart of the Carneddau, this walk
has something for everyone with woods, rivers, stunning precipices
and the largest tract of land over 3000ft outside Scotland.
The Carneddau plateau is no place for the novice in bad weather,
with the featureless terrain proving a test for navigation skills,
but on a fine day the views in all directions are inspiring. For the
fit and competent the day can be extended with diversions to take in
the 3000ft peaks of Pen Yr Ole Wen, Yr Elen and Garnedd Uchaf.
Although the route takes in the very poular "trade route" between
Carnedd Dafydd and Foel Grach it steers away from the honeypot Ogwen
Valley routes.
Section 1 - Bethesda to Carnedd Dafydd
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Distance: 3.14miles
(5.1Km)
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Height Gain: :1347ft
(410m)
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Start from the layby on the A5 at
Ogwen Bank Caravan
Park, and go through the gate into the woods. The path soon reaches a
junction where you turn right (east) and slowly climb for three
quarters of a mile, before turning right as you exit the trees.
As you gain height aim for the right hand stream (Afon Berthen) of
the three that flow down from the flanks of the Carneddau keeping
Foelgraig slightly to your left. The route stays roughly parallel
with a wall way down to the right as it climbs steepening ground to
emerge at the summit of Carnedd Dafydd.
From here the views are stunning with a panorama to the north that
includes the whole of Anglesey, while to the south Tryfan and the
Glyders dominate. An optional diversion south west of three quarters
of a mile will take you to the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen.
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A wintery Llewellyn
summit by Tony Didcock from his gallery album
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Section 2 - Carnedd Dafydd to Foel Grach
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Distance: 2.9 miles
(4.6Km)
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Height Gain: 813ft
(248m)
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From the summit of Carnedd Dafydd you join the main path that
swings right (east) over
Cefn Ysgolion Duon towards Carnedd
Llewelllyn passing below the impressive Black Ladders. The path on
this section is obvious, and crossing the ridge at Bwlch Cyfryw -
drum usually involves following a crowd of others.
From the col an easy 300ft ascent brings you to the summit of
Carnedd Llewellyn. From here the route continues north, again
along a well worn path towards Foel Grach. Off to the left lies Yr
Elen, another optional diversion along a short ridge - for those
ticking off the Welsh 3000ers this is an opportunity not to be
missed. The summit of Foel Grach comes quickly and although
only just over half way along our walk you now have the majority of
the ascent behind you.
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Looking across to the top
of the Black Ladders
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Section 3 - Foel Grach to Bethesda
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Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9Km)
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Height Gain: 309ft
(94m)
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Midway between Foel Grach and Ganedd Uchaf you join another
major path, and at this point you should turn left (west) to follow
the
Afon Wen as it starts its descent. Continue down a small
valley through abandoned quarry workings towards a sheepold where
once more the path becomes obvious.
Follow the Afon Caseg for a short while then aim for the obvious
cluster of walls and ruins. From here continue west for a few yards
to another path junction where you take the left hand fork to join a
wall on your left that leads you to Tan-y-garth. Swing right then
left to head south to a minor road which you cross directly ahead
before crossing Afon Caseg by the waterfalls.
The path now zig zags south to Afon Llafar and another
waterfall then turns east again to enter the woods. As you approach
the road ahead turn left (south) down the main path through the trees
to return directly to your starting point at the caravan park.
