28.11.2020 - A circuit around Craig Eigiau 735m, Carneddau, Snowdonia, Wales (Nuttall).
Today was a circuit up and around remote and rugged Llyn Eigiau just a few kilometres north of Capel Currig. Here Craig Eigiau at 735m stands guard over the lake.
Anyway, the weather sucked a bit and I couldn’t see much above 400m. The accepted peak is the rocky outcrop at the cliff edge at 735m but there’s also a nearby spot height of 738m? Anyway I did both, couldn’t see naff all anyway!
Around the lake was very pretty and interesting though with old slate and dam works. Wales has surely got to be the biggest outdoor museum in the world!
Nuttall no 182/190.
You start this route from the well known but remote parking spot called ‘Carnedd Llewelyn Car Park.’ You come to it from the village of Talybont on the eastern edge of the Carneddau along a steep and narrow road.
From the start point head NW on a very distinct but rough wide track that takes you to the base of Craig Eigiau and then up and around the back of it. You climb gradually and eventually you will get to a metal gate. At the gate you leave the track and follow a fence on your left heading SW. There’s a faint path to keep to and it’s a relative steep climb. At this stage today I could hardly make out fifty meters in front of me.
Now the Peakbagger website and accepted summit is a rocky spot height at the cliff edge at 735m but there is also a nearby 738m spot height. Anyway after two kilometres the path goes of to the right and I meandered between both points. Finding a few stones at 738m and a steep rocky outcrop of rocks at 735m. I couldn’t see anything at either location at this point.
After this you keep heading SW, still on a path as such. After a kilometre of flat going you hit the top end of a stream which you follow downhill and South on the left hand side. After another kilometre you get to some obvious old mine workings . Head for these where you will pick up a wide trail heads East.
You keep on this wide trail for the 4+ kilometres back to the car park. As you do so you will pass the impressive old Eigiau dam, the scene of a disaster in 1925, and enjoy the beautiful valley views. I could see more by now!
Parking: Enough for about ten small vans or cars. Steep, narrow access roads.
Route Summary: Wide tracks and tramways at the start and finish. Distinct mountain paths with some faint trails on the 2km plateau section.
Route Statustics: 12kms and 430m height gain done in 3hours.
Route Overview using ViewRanger.
Car park at start point. Carnedd Llewellyn Car Park.
Showing the track to Craig Eigiau and gate where you leave the track.
Not much to see today, very foggy. The rocky summit outcrop at 735m the accepted summit and some small stones at spot height 738m. The last picture is what the rocky outcrop at 735m looks like on a fine day.
Series of pictures showing the slate workings at the South end of Llyn Eigiau, the track heading out on the lake's Eastern side and the remnants of Eigiau Dam, scene of the 1925 dam breach disaster.