The Low Down
The Carneddau range offers a number of linear & circular walks that take in the great features of this area. These walks are not for the tourist or the unprepared. These mountains are serious mountains without the additions of well define paths
There are many entry points into the range but YHA Idwal Cottage (SH648603) & the village of Capel Curig provide ideal bases to explore the Carneddau from. Idwal Cottage takes you straight into the Heights, scaling Pen yr Ole Wen direct or skirting around to try a flanking attack. (Also try the carpark below Tryfan at SH667604 to access the flanks of Pen yr Ole Wen.) Capel Curig allows entry into the foot hills, but don't expect it easy!
A north to south traverse brings many delights as you gain height above the sea and climb high inland, a starting point for this could be a tiny car park at Bwlch y Ddeufaen(SH721715), not far from YHA Rowen. If you choose to start here, even the car journey could be an adventure!
A more obscure access can be found at a car park at SH731662
Remember
These names are royal names, with lots of history. Llewelyn was the last true Welsh Prince of Wales, Dafydd was his brother. Llewelyn's wife was Eleanor, his daughter was Gwenllian. The history is fascinating, and helps to explain some of the deep seated rivalry between the Welsh and the English
Prince Dafydd, his family & his infant neice Gwenllian were captured by the English in the shaddow of the Carneddau mountains 21 June 1283
Garnedd Uchaf was renamed Carnedd Gwenllian in September 2009