| Length |
10 km |
| Height gain |
840 m |
| Highest point |
947 m |
| Approximate time |
5 hrs |
|
 |
An interesting route covering the Northern end of the Glyderau. Starting
from Llyn Ogwen, it is possible to return to the starting point, however this
will involve a walk along the old A5. The ground covered is similar to that in
route 1 in ascent. The walk along the ridge is
straight forward, however the descent suggested is very steep and covered in
heather, thus a great deal of care needs to be taken. Views are across to the
Snowdon range, the Carneddau and also to Anglesey.
Follow the path suggested in route one as far as
Llyn y Cwn. Here however we leave the previous route, and take the path up the
mountain to the right. This is Y Garn. There are two possible paths to follow.
The most direct goes straight up the mountain, whilst the alternative goes off
to the right slightly and takes you around the cliffs of Cwm Clyd.
An alternative route up Y Garn is to avoid the Devils Kitchen, and instead
ascend the NE ridge. Shortly after leaving Idwal cottage take a path to the
right which leads through a cut out section of rock. This will eventually
reach Llyn Idwal, but further round than the path to the Devils Kitchen.
Follow the route around to the right away from the lake and head up the fairly
prominent ridge which leads to two small lakes, the larger of which is Llyn
Clyd. Now continue the ascent till you hit the main ridge from Y Garn to Foel
Goch, and turn left continuing for a short distance to the summit of Y
Garn.
From Y Garn the views are across to Snowdon to the South West, and the
Carneddau opposite. The rest of the walk streatches out in front and to the
North West Elidir Fawr can be seen. This is known as "Electric
Mountain", since the Dinorwig power station is housed inside. This is run
by First Hydro Company, and is used to supply electricity at times of high
demand. It is pumped storage, meaning that water is pumped up to an upper lake
(Marchlyn Mawr) using off peak electricity, and when there is high demand this
is dropped through the mountain turning turbines, and ends in a lower lake
(Llyn Peris). We will be passing Marchlyn Mawr later in the walk.
Head off North from Y Garn, descending at first, and then reaching a
flatter section of ground. There are two options here. Either cross the ladder
style to your right and follow the grassy slope up to Foel Goch or take the
path slightly to the left which will skirt the summit. The route up to Foel
Goch is straight forward. Take a few moments to look across to Tryfan
(translation as three stones) before taking a steep descent to your left. This
is down some steep loose ground where you will join the route which skirts the
summit. If you find it necessary there is a cut off from here. Just at the
bottom of the slope is a ladder style which leads down steep ground into the
Nant Ffrancon valley.
Assuming you are continuing you will see a welll see a well defined path
which goes round to Elidir Fawr. Follow this for a short distance and then
when it turns off to the left continue straight up a steep grass slope to the
summit of Mynydd Perfedd. This is a steep slope, but is not too long. When you
reach the top continue straight along to Carnedd y Filiast. The upper
reservoir (Marchlyn Mawr) can just be seen in a dip to the left. The route to
Carnedd y Filiast is fairly flat and covers mixed ground.
The descent from Carnedd y Filiast is steep, and over heather, thus care
needs to be taken. Also there are steep cliffs to the right which should be
avoided. From the summit you should head off to the North-East. and head down
over some moderate ground to where you will begin to drop steeply. The best
advice here is to pick your own route whilst avoiding the cliffs to your
right. Looking back you will be able to see the famous Atlantic Slab. About
half way down you will see a stone wall to your right. You should try to head
for this and then follow it down to the old A5.
If you have transport at both ends, or are using busses then it is just a
short walk to Bethesda. If you need to get back to Ogwen Cottage turn right
and walk for 3.75 km along the old A5.
Back to the Glyderau
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