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Snowdonia Walks from Capel Curig

By Dave Roberts   

on October 9, 2013    4.5/5 (2)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, North Wales, Snowdonia National Park, The Carneddau, The Glyderau, The Moelwynion, Wales

Snowdonia Walks from Capel Curig

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Location Map

Capel Curig probably boasts more pubs than houses, and more walks than pubs. That makes it a great base for walking, where you can set off on a different walk every day from your doorstep. Here’s a selection of predominantly mountain walks from Capel Curig into the Carneddau, Glyderau and the Moelwynion.

The Carneddau Challenge 

Epic Walk – 29km

Walk this route in reverse and end up in Conwy. This is a seriously strenuous walk of 29km with 1600m ascent but you have the satisfaction of crossing the entire Carneddau range. Keep this one for a fine day in May or June to get the most out of it.

Eryri Way Section 3

 Strenuous Walk – 30km.

This is similar to the route above, but takes an interesting mid-level route to Conwy but it’s still a 30km yomp! For an unforgettable 2 day route you could join both together with the added advantage that you wouldn’t need to descend to Conwy and cut the route down to a more manageable 50km over two days.

Snowdonia Walks from Capel Curig

Moel Siabod from Pont Cyfyng 

Hard Walk – 11km 

Much more interesting than the tourist path from Plas y Brenin, which makes an adequate descent. This is a quieter and much more scenic route along a blunt ridge above Llyn y Foel. As Moel Siabod is a solitary mountain, the views are spectacular. Views towards Snowdon being the highlight of this walk.

Moel Siabod Daear Ddu

Hard Walk / Grade I Scramble – 11km

Also starting from Pont Cyfyng is the scramble via Daear Ddu, arguably the best route up. Descend to Pont Cyfyng via the route above rather than the tourist path for the best all round walk. While it may be a scramble, there’s nothing technical about it and is more of a boulder clamber than a scramble. The main danger is navigation as the route isn’t particularly clear (other than keep to the crest and enjoy the scramble!)

Pen Llithrig and Helgi Du from Capel Curig

Hard Walk – 11km, plus return to Capel Curig.

These may be less fashionable hills, compared to the main hubs of Carnedd Llywelyn and Dafydd but nevertheless provide some decent and quiet walking. The going is largely rough and pathless, with the path much clearer once you’re on the tops.

Creigiau Gleision and Llyn Cowlyd

Strenuous Walk – 19km.

If the previous two hills are unfashionable then this one is positively your middle-aged uncle at a wedding. The route is heavy going, boggy and heathery with the path easily lost. While I’m probably not doing a great job of selling you this one, it’s worth doing for the challenging nature of the terrain and more so for the return via the moody Llyn Cowlyd. I’d mention the views from Crimpiau, but that’s the next walk.

Crimpiau from Capel Curig 

Easy Moderate Walk – 6km

It may only be 475m high, and not on any significant lists, but Crimpiau boasts the best view per metre ascended in Snowdonia! The walk’s ‘only’ 6 kilometres, but the terrain is hardly easy and navigational skills will be needed if the mists descend. An ideal mini-mountain if you’ve got a spare morning or afternoon.

Llynnoedd Crafnant and Geirionydd 

Moderate Walk – 15km.

If you want a lower level walk that still covers some distance, then this circuit is worth doing. Visting the two lakes of Crafnant and Geirionydd, through forestry and across moors, there’s plenty of variety even if the forestry towards the end does start to try your patience a bit.

Glyderau From Capel Curig 

Strenuous Walk – 21.5km 

The route above details a walk from Dinorwig to Capel Curig that can easily be reversed. Descending to Nant Peris or Llanberis would ease the logistical problem of returning to the start, or you could descend to either Pen-y-Pass or Ogwen for a shorter route. Easier still, catch the Sherpa bus and walk back to Capel Curig.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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