The one with a few mountains, a scary descent, and a sense of achievement.
📍 Location: Carneddau Range, Snowdonia, Wales 🏔️
🥾 Miles: 12.16 miles & six peaks accomplished.
⛑️ Health: All good
🌦️ Weather: Superb! Clear skies, perfect for the views.
🥘 Food: Grazed all day—packed lunch from the hostel, followed by a hearty steak pie dinner.
☕️ Early morning excitement
We were all awake super early, some even up at 4 am, sipping coffee in the lounge! You could feel the excitement in the air—anticipation mixed with a bit of nervous energy. Today was going to be a long but unforgettable day.
🍳 7 am – Breakfast
A proper fry-up for most, alongside strong, much-needed coffee. Fuel for the tough climbs ahead.
🚌 8.15 am – On the move
We piled into what we affectionately called the “noddy bus” to head out. Not my favourite part—I get a bit travel-sick, so it was head down, eyes closed, and listening to the chatter of everyone buzzing with excitement.
We met our guides—Tom and Kat, our main mountain guides, and Matt, who doubled up as our driver and walking encyclopedia.
🥾 8.54 am – Ready to hike
After a quick group photo, we set off. From the very beginning, the beauty of the Carneddau Range hits you. The first leg was a gradual climb, giving us time to warm up and admire the tranquil lakes glistening below.
🐴 Wildlife sightings
We were treated to the sight of wild Carneddau ponies grazing peacefully. Their winter coats were just beginning to grow, reminding us of the harsher conditions to come. These hardy ponies are a staple of this rugged landscape, used to hikers like us passing through their home.
🌷 Flora and fauna
The hills were dotted with vibrant yellow gorse and lilac ferns, adding splashes of colour to the landscape. Matt, our guide, shared some fascinating facts about the local plants—though I’ll admit, most of that information went in one ear and out the other!
🏔️ 11.30 am – Summit 1: Foel Fras
After a tough climb through fields and a boulder field, we finally reached the first summit, Foel Fras. Standing at 942m, it’s the northernmost of the 15 peaks and a perfect introduction to what lay ahead. Photos were taken, snacks were grabbed, and we kept moving.
🏔️ 13.06 – Summit 2: Tal y Bont
The second summit brought us more breathtaking views. Standing on top of Tal y Bont, it’s hard to put into words the beauty of this place. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and miles of untouched wilderness stretched out before us.
🏔️ Continuing up
According to my photos, the next summit might have been Capel Curig, but my memory is a bit foggy at this point. What I do know is we kept climbing, the wind picking up as we reached higher elevations. By now, it was blowing a gale—so strong it felt like it could lift me off my feet at any moment, but it only added to the thrill.
🏔️ 16.12 – Pen yr Ole Wen: The scary descent
Reaching the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen felt like a victory, but the descent? That was something else! A narrow ridge awaited us, and it was all hands (and feet) on deck. At some points, we had to climb down backwards, gripping onto the rocks like climbers. My heart was racing, but I loved every second.
The descent seemed to stretch on forever, testing our legs and nerves in equal measure, but by 6.10 pm, we were finally back at the bus. Exhausted, yes, but absolutely exhilarated by the day’s achievements.
What a day! The Carneddau had challenged us, but we met every peak with determination and left with memories that will last a lifetime. Day 1 down—onward to more adventures!