nick livesey's snowdonia

Rising straight from the sea, the Carneddau is the biggest if not the highest range of mountains south of the border. It covers more ground above 3000ft than the rest of England and Wales put together takes the form of huge, whaleback ridges seperated by lonely cwms. On first inspection, the range appears dull with little to excite the adventurous hillwalker, however, to neglect these massive hills is a sin of ommision. For hill folk with taste, the Carneddau gives the opportunity to walk all day in relative solitude, picking off summits at will. Remote from valley bases, good navigation is needed in bad weather to avoid at best walking around in circles and at worst a fall off stupendous cliffs which would not be out of place in the Scottish Highlands.

                    Carnedd Llewelyn from Yr Elen...photo Jamie Griggs

Crowning the range is Carnedd Llewelyn, at 3484ft the 3rd highest peak in Wales. From here, four ridges run roughly N, S, E and W linking to other peaks in the group.

Carnedd Dafydd from Yr Elen...photo Jamie Griggs

Second in height is Carnedd Dafydd at 3426ft. Legend has it that the great Welsh princes, Llewelyn and Dafydd are burried on their namesake hills under the sizeable cairns that adorn the summits. Whilst roaming these hills it's not hard to imagine a time when mountains were regarded as the domain of monsters and madmen alike, such is the ancient atmosphere of the place, indeed, these hills somehow feel older than any I have had the pleasure of visiting. How can that be? Be vigilent on the Carneddau, there be dragons.