Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 21 out of 22 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri
Pen yr Helgi Du is a wonderful mountain in the southern Carneddau. Its summit features a stupendous view of the Glyderau, particularly of Tryfan, arguably Wales’ most visually striking mountain, as well as down into picturesque Cwm Llugwy and its sparkling reservoir.
Routes to Pen yr Helgi Du usually begin from the busy Ogwen Valley and either ascend via its south ridge or climb neighbouring Pen Llithrig y Wrach before heading west. The summit is tethered to Wales’ third highest mountain, Carnedd Llewellyn, by a glorious narrow ridge that makes for an exciting continuation to your hike.
Pen yr Helgi Du translates as the ‘Peak of the Black Hound’, though its exact meaning and the origin of the title are a mystery. As interesting names in the region go, it probably just loses out to Pen Llithrig y Wrach, which means the ‘Slippery Peak of the Witch.’
Location: Capel Curig, Conwy, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom
4.8
(6)
48
03:33
10.2km
560m
5.0
(3)
30
04:08
12.2km
590m
4.8
(36)
418
06:45
18.8km
1,040m
Pen yr Helgi Du is a fine summit to the southeast of Carnedd Llewelyn. It stands high above wild Cwm Eigiau and the beautiful Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir. Its summit is linked to Carnedd Llewelyn via the narrow ridge at Bwlch Eryi Farchog. The traverses takes you above the mighty cliffs of Craig yr Ysfa, which are popular with rock climbers.
June 13, 2022
Pen yr Helgi Du (Hill of the Black Hound) is a mountain peak in the eastern part of the Carneddau in Snowdonia, North Wales. It lies on the south-eastern flanks of Carnedd Llewelyn, and is linked to Carnedd Llewelyn over the col of Bwlch Eryl Farchog, a knife-edge ridge over the cliffs of Craig Yr Ysfa.
From here the walker can drop down into Cwm Eigiau to the east or to the Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir to the south. Continuing over Pen yr Helgi Du to the east you will reach the even more beautifully named Pen Llithrig y Wrach (the slippery peak of the witch). It is a UK listed Nuttall.
November 20, 2020
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Location: Capel Curig, Conwy, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom
4.8
(6)
48
03:33
10.2km
560m
5.0
(3)
30
04:08
12.2km
590m
4.8
(36)
418
06:45
18.8km
1,040m