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End: Capel Curig, OS Grid: SH721582 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 1546m (5072ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 3048m (10001ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 1502m (4929ft)
Max. Elevation: 1050m (3444ft)
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Waypoints
Head southeast from the town centre and take the road that follows the river.
Cross the footbridge over the river - you need to be on the south side for the climb up into the Carneddau (the path leads into the col). Follow the footpath that runs along the river.
At the foot of Mynydd Du, leave the footpath along the river and head up the slope, sticking to the cliff line.
The cliff edge gets ever sharper and more dramatic - the glacial legacies of this place are clear to see. Stay on the edge of the hill and keep on climbing.
First summit of the day and it's a good 'un - Carnedd Dafydd, rising above the imposing Ysgolion Duon cliff. Follow the path that runs along Cefn Ysgolion Duon.
A short drop into the bwlch between the two big summits. There is a clear path on to Carnedd Llewelyn.
The second summit and highest point of the day at 1064m. If you are making good progress, there is an optional side trip out to Yr Elen, which takes about 40 minutes there and back.
From Carnedd Llewelyn, take a bearing to make sure you get the right path from the summit. Follow the cliff path to Bwlch Eryl Farchog, a sharp ridge that leads onto Hegli Du.
From the triangular summit of Hegli Du, it's another (easier) ridge walk to Pen Llithrig y Wrach, the last summit of the day.
This is the far edge of the Carneddau group, and you can see land, whilst still hilly, gets lower as you head east from here. Pick up the path dropping off the southern end of the hill, towards the bridleways that meet near Llyn Cowlyd.
At the southern end of the reservoir, take the bridleway that heads downhill into Capel Curig.
The end at last! A fine day on the hills should be finished with a pot of tea and a slice of cake in the Pinnacles cafe, just near the road junction (and the bus stop). For those in need of something stronger, the Bryn Tyrch is a five minute walk along the road to Betws-y-coed.
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