The Carneddau Ridge Traverse — from Pen yr Ole Wen at the southern end of the massif to Foel Fras in the north, crossing Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn — is one of the great mountain days in Wales. Fourteen kilometres at altitude, on broad grassy ridges, with wild ponies and remote tarns and views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. This is Experience #15 of the Snowdonia 100.
Route Details
| Start | Ogwen (Llyn Ogwen) |
| End | Abergwyngregyn or Rowen (transport needed) |
| Distance | 18km point-to-point |
| Ascent | 1,300m |
| Time | 7–9 hours |
| Character | Remote, grassy, navigationally demanding in mist |
The Wild Horses
The Carneddau ponies are a semi-wild ancient breed, their origins uncertain but their presence on these mountains documented since at least the medieval period. They roam freely at altitude, and encounters — particularly on the high plateau between Carnedd Dafydd and Foel Fras — are among the most unexpectedly moving wildlife experiences in Eryri. In winter they retreat to lower ground; in summer they are often seen at 900–1,000 metres.
Navigation
The Carneddau plateau is navigationally demanding in mist or poor visibility. The broad, featureless ridges offer few landmarks beyond occasional cairns, and the consequences of taking the wrong bearing can involve descending into very remote country. This traverse rewards confident map-and-compass navigation. In clear conditions it is among the most satisfying mountain walks in Wales; in cloud it requires proper mountaineering discipline.
Experience #15 of 100 — Routes and Ridges category.
Independently written — Snowdon.com