The Carneddau
The Carneddau group of mountains make up the largest continuous area of high ground in Wales and England.
The Carneddau with the River Conwy in the foreground
The range is bounded by the coast to the north, the Conway valley to the east, and the Ogwen valley to the west and south. Over twenty of its peaks surpass 600m and six of these are amongst the highest peaks in the country. The Carneddau covers a vast area of nearly 200sq km.
Peaks in the Carneddau which surpass 3,000feet
* Carnedd Llywellyn - 1064m
*Carnedd Dafyddd - 1040m
*Pen Ole Wen - 978m
*Foel Grach - 976m
*Yr Elen - 962m
*Foel Gras - 942m
Garnedd Uchaf - 926m
Carnedd Llywelyn, the second highest peak in Wales after Snowdon reaches 3,458' (1064m), slightly higher than its Carnedd Dafydd at 3,427' (1044m). The former peak derives its name from the renowned thirteenth century Prince of Wales, Llywelyn the Great. The rare and fragile montane heath can only be found on the highest summits of the Carneddau.
The Carneddau from the north-east, showing the Llugwy-Ogwen gap
Pen yr Ole Wen
Image reproduced by permission of Derek Fogg at British Landscapes who retains all copyright
The range encompasses a number of lakes in its deep valleys including Llyn Cowlyd and Llyn Eigiau.
Stay safe by following a few simple rules
* Obtain a reliable local weather forecast prior to setting off and plan a route suitable to those conditions.
* Check your equipment before leaving, take waterproofs, warm spare clothing, hat and gloves, food, drink, a map, a compass and a survival bag.
*Learn basic mountain skills, particularly navigation.
* If weather conditions turn bad, turn back.
* Don't rely on mobile phones.