30.3.2021 - Creigiau Gleision 678m, CG North Top 634m and Craiglwyn 623m, Carneddau, Snowdonia.
Summary
Three glorious lumpy Nuttalls done on the Eastern edge of the Carneddau today just North of Capel Curig. It takes the tally now to 187/189.
It was a glorious spring day to do a 14km, 800m height gain day near Llyn Crafnant. Beautiful sunshine with glorious views down the Ogwen Valley and all around. A top top day out.
Route
The route starts at Llyn Crafnant car park where there are ample car parking spaces and toilets. From here head NE on the road. A trail soon starts heading off left which eventually brings you out on the hills. You then follow a distinct track West. This takes you gently uphill eventually coming to a fence junction where you start to head SW quite steeply. It is not long before you get to the summit of Creigiau Gleision North Top. There is a very small pile of stones here and commanding views all around especially of the Owen valley.
Onwards you go SW over distinct paths and undulating terrain until half an hour later you are the small cairned summit of Creigiau Gleision itself. The views are basically the same...stunning! You keep heading South and it is not long before you are also standing on the unmarked summit of Craiglwyn.
You start to drop steadily now and skirt the lower end of Llyn Crafnant by going steeply up and down the subsidiary but imposing lumps that are Graig Wen and Crimpiau. You soon hit a bridleway that takes you North and downhill to the road by Llyn Crafnant.
Here you can either walk back the three kilometres back to the car park by road or go around the lake to the left. We chose left along a good scenic path that follows the lake's edge all the way back to the start.
Parking: Amply parking and toilets at the start. No payment required.
Route Summary: A bit of road but mostly good tracks, trails and mountain paths. Nowhere was the going unmarked or untrodden as such. A long and at times steep climb up to Creigiau Gleision NT but apart from that a pretty undulating hike. Great commanding views all round, especially of the Ogwen Valley.
Route Statistics: 14km and 800m of height gain done in 5hrs 30mins.
GPX files: For gpx files go to the Peakbagger website by following this link and go to the bottom right hand of the page and click ‘Download this GPS track as a GPX file.’
Ascent Entry: Creigiau Gleision, CG North Top and Craiglwyn.
Route overview and the ample NT car park at the start point.
The route on the way to Creigiau Gleision North Top.
The route between Creigiau Gleision North Top and Creigiau Gleision.
The majestic views of the Ogwen valley on the way over to Craiglwyn.
Homeward bound views.