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The north-eastern sector of the Snowdonia National Park contains the largest area of land above 2000 feet in Wales or England. The highest summit is Carnedd Llewelyn (1064 m.) and this walk explores the summits at the eastern end of the ridge that extends from this high point to the sea near Conway. Each of the peaks of the Carneddau have their own character with those included on this route generally grassy with numerous rocky outcrops. Despite their minor status each of the summits visited on this route offers extensive views across the surrounding mountains and coast.
The start (Grid ref. SH731714) offers limited parking on the roadside and can be reached using narrow lanes from the B5106 Conway to Betws-y-Coed road. After parking, walk back down the lane towards the Conway Valley. Go over the river and continue along the lane to reach a junction (Grid ref. SH742706). Turn right down this track and after 600 metres turn left down the signed footpath. The path is hard to follow and you need to keep referring to the map to keep on course. Eventually you reach an open area (Grid ref. SH743692) where a number of paths and tracks meet. Turn right (south-west) along a track. Stay on this track taking the right fork (Grid ref. SH735689) where a footpath goes straight on to Tan-y-Bwlch. The track climbs steadily and you can make excellent progress into the Carneddau with some excellent views ahead. On your right rises the minor summit of Pen y Castell and this is the next objective. There is no distinct path to the summit and I opted to stay on the track until a hundred or so before the wall (Grid ref. SH725684). I then went right across rough ground to reach the summit, which is marked by a small cairn. From here the next objective is Drum, which lies to the north of a broad col a few hundred metres northwest of Pen y Castell. Head northwest off the summit and you will soon see a stile in the fence ahead (Grid ref. SH719690). Cross this and follow the clear path beside the fence towards Drum. Reaching the top of the climb, cross the stile and turn right onto the main ridge path. Do not drop down to the track but stay beside the fence and walk north to Carnedd y Ddelw (Grid ref. SH707705). From here the path continues alongside the fence descending to a track at Bwlch y Ddeufaen. Go straight across the track and start the climb to the summit of Foel Lwyd. This minor peak offers some grand views including much of the route covered on this walk. From Foel Lwyd a short descent brings you to another col from where the last section of uphill work leads you to the summit of Tal y Fan. The views from here are superb especially north-eastwards over the Conway estuary and the Great Orme. From the trig point retrace your steps to the col and turn left downhill back to the start. Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. E and S Thomas, Bangor - Gwynedd Bryn Bella Guest House, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy Bryn Afon Guest House, Betws-y-Coed - Conwy Plas Tan y Graig, Beddgelert - Gwynedd Fron Deg B&B, Maentwrog - Gwynedd The Don, Blaenau Ffestiniog - Gwynedd Cae Mawr B&B, Tan Yr Allt, Llanllyfni - Gwynedd Cae Gwyn, Penrhyndeudraeth - Gwynedd Gwrach Ynys Country Guest House, Harlech - Gwynedd Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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