There aren’t many routes up the Carnedddau that I’ve not done, so curiosity got the better of me and I decided to try the Braich Ty Du ridge. On paper it looks like there might be some interesting views off the ridge towards Ogwen.
Distance, Ascent and Time 23km, 1250m, 8 hours. OS Map Required Explorer 017, BMC Map, Landranger 115 Difficulties Route finding off path. Start Location Bethesda to Aber Facilities All local facilities at start. Public Transport Plenty to and from Bethesda. It’s steady at first, before crossing the boggy area around the Afon Berthen at SH641 643. You’re now on the broad ridge, with a small uphill pull leading to another lev Once on the ridge it’s an easy pull up to Carnedd Dafydd. From here there’s a myriad of routes – either back down Moel Meirch to Bethesda or continue on the ridge to Aber as I did that day. Braich Ty Du isn’t the most exciting ascent route up, though that’s a shame as it starts off well, but it could well redeem itself as a reasonably untechnical winter ascentTo see this map cookies and javascript must be enabled. If you are still having trouble after having checked both of these please contact us using the link at the top of the page
Height Gained 1,128m Distance 21km Time 6 hrs 25 min Download Route
The walk starts at Braichmelyn at the Ogwen end of Bethesda, at the junction of the A5 and B4409 (near the Austin Taylor factory – SH626 659). Follow the road for a 100m before turning right up Rhes James / James Street past typical Quarrymen’s cottages. You soon come to a farm yard, pass through this to the gate at the far end and enter the forest. It’s a pleasant change to start a walk in woodland, with the only navigation required when you cross a wide forestry track. It’s not immediately obvious, but turn left and then the continuing path to your right becomes clear.
You’re soon out of the woodland and onto the open hillside. Navigation depends strongly on handrailing the wall that can lead you most of the way up, but initially it’s best to strike for the high ground ahead. There is a path that contours, but it is not apparent on the ground. Once onto this first section of high ground, you’ll come to the stone wall that should be followed.
el area before the ridge becomes seriously steep if you follow the wall. A path veers off to the left that avoids the steeper section. Once you’re past this, all that remains is to climb a uniform slope to the ridge above. You can continue on the ‘ridge’ to Pen yr Ole Wen, but by now you realise there’s not much of a ridge left and you’re best aiming for the bwlch at Carnedd Fach.Related posts: