Y Garn and Elidir Fawr
Up Y Garn's fine north-east ridge above Llyn Idwal, then out to Elidir Fawr above the 'Electric Mountain'.
- Distance
- 14.1 km
- Ascent
- 1140 m
- Time
- 5–7 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 946 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Y Garn and Elidir Fawr is a hard 14.1 km out-and-back walk with 1,140 m of ascent, taking 5 to 7 hours. It starts at Ogwen (Idwal Cottage) (grid reference SH 648 603). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Y Garn at 946 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
Y Garn's north-east ridge rises steeply from Llyn Idwal, giving one of the best views in Eryri back over Tryfan and the Ogwen valley. From the summit, a broad ridge leads north over Foel Goch to Elidir Fawr.
Inside Elidir Fawr is the Dinorwig power station, built into the old slate workings. The route returns over Y Garn to Ogwen.
Route
-
1
Y Garn
Walk to Llyn Idwal and climb the north-east ridge to Y Garn.
-
2
Elidir Fawr
Follow the ridge north to Elidir Fawr, then return over Y Garn.
Summits
946 m
924 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Y Garn and Elidir Fawr take?
- Most walkers take 5–7 hours for the 14.1 km route, which has 1,140 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Ogwen (Idwal Cottage) (grid reference SH 648 603). Pay and display at Ogwen.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses link the valleys around Yr Wyddfa, Ogwen and Capel Curig. Check times on Traveline Cymru.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Steep, rocky ridge path; broad grassy ridges; stony summits.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Y Garn (946 m, Hewitt, Welsh 3000); Elidir Fawr (924 m, Hewitt, Welsh 3000).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the hills: keep dogs on a lead, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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