The Southern Carneddau Circuit

The Southern Carneddau Circuit 2026 Open Group Dates: Sunday 9th August 2026 Sunday 11th October 2026 £75 per person | Small Group Journey | Guaranteed to Run The Southern Carneddau Circuit is the definitive way to experience the three highest summits of the Carneddau range. This is a packed mountain day featuring introductory scrambling on Pen yr Ole Wen, the dramatic "Black Ladders" of Carnedd Dafydd, and the high altitude plateau of Carnedd Llewelyn, the third highest peak in Wales. THE ROUTE: Starting near Llyn Ogwen, we follow the Afon Lloer to the east ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen. This ridge offers easy Grade 1 scrambling, providing a perfect introduction to hands on mountain movement. From the first summit, we follow high level ridge paths to Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn. The journey continues across a narrow, rocky ridge toward Pen yr Helgi Du before a long descent via Y Braich. This is a substantial 16km day with 1100m of ascent. CORE HIGHLIGHTS: The Highest Trio: Traverse the three most prominent peaks in the range, standing on the largest area of high ground in Wales. Introductory Scrambling: Build confidence on the accessible rocky ridges of Pen yr Ole Wen and the traverse to Pen yr Helgi Du. Wild Ridges: Experience the immense, wild scale of the Carneddau, with expansive views across the Ogwen Valley and toward the coast. WHY BOOK THE CARNEDDAU WITH MOUNTAIN CRAFT? Scrambling Progression: If you are aiming for more technical routes like the Snowdon Horseshoe or Tryfan, this circuit is the ideal first step to develop your skills. The Solitude Factor: Despite their height, the Carneddau are much quieter and more remote than the neighboring Glyderau or Snowdon. Guaranteed to Run: Your booking is secure. We do not cancel due to low participant numbers, so you can train for this big day with peace of mind. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: This is a physically demanding day. You should be comfortable on rocky terrain and have the stamina for a 16km mountain walk with significant elevation gain. WHATS INCLUDED: A full day of expert guiding in a small, personal group. Professional coaching on mountain movement and introductory scrambling. Pre-event advice on local travel and Ogwen Valley logistics. PRIVATE BOOKINGS: Looking for a bespoke date or a custom Carneddau traverse? Head to ‘Bespoke Private Guiding’ to check availability. Private days start from £275. Have questions about fitness, kit, or weather? Scroll down to the FAQs below.