Snowdonia’s Hidden Mountains
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is Britain’s most climbed mountain, and for good reason—its summit offers spectacular views across North Wales and towards Ireland. But Snowdonia National Park has many other mountains equally deserving of attention, from the spectacular Glyderau to the remote Carneddau, from the dramatic Tryfan to the atmospheric Moel Siabod.
This guide reveals Snowdonia’s hidden mountains beyond Snowdon, explaining how to access them, what makes each special, and experiencing spectacular mountain scenery without the crowds.
Understanding Snowdonia’s Mountain Ranges
Snowdonia National Park contains several mountain ranges, each with distinct character:
Snowdon Massif: Including Snowdon plus surrounding peaks like Glyder Fawr and Y Lliwedd. Dramatic, accessible, and crowded.
Glyderau: Spectacular twin peaks of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, plus Carneddau peaks to the north. Dramatic rock formations and outstanding scenery.
Carneddau: Massive northern range extending towards Anglesey. Remote, wild, and comparatively quiet.
Moelwynion: Southern range around Moel Siabod. Remote, atmospheric, with genuine wilderness feel.
Tryfan and surrounding: Dramatic rock formations around Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, and surrounding peaks. Spectacular but accessible walking.
Essential Mountains to Climb
1. Glyder Fawr
Glyder Fawr is one of Snowdonia’s most spectacular mountains, a dramatic peak with a summit that feels like a rocky fortress. The view from the summit is extraordinary—across Snowdonia, towards Anglesey, and on clear days towards Ireland.
What makes Glyder Fawr special is its summit character. The summit is a rocky plateau with spectacular views in all directions, unlike Snowdon’s more conventional summit. The rock formations are extraordinary, and the summit feels remote despite its relative accessibility.
Location: Near Llanberis, LL55 4NE
Access: From Llanberis (car park at Pen-y-Pass or Nant Peris) or via footpaths from Beddgelert
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous (depending on route)
Time: 3-5 hours return depending on route
Best routes:
- From Pen-y-Pass: Most direct route (approx. 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
- From Nant Peris: Slightly longer but varied scenery
- Via Bristly Ridge from Tryfan: Spectacular full-day walk (approx. 6-7 hours)
Views: Exceptional across Snowdonia, towards Anglesey, and on clear days to Ireland.
2. Glyder Fach
Glyder Fach is Glyder Fawr’s twin peak, slightly lower but equally dramatic. The summit offers different views towards the Carneddau and the coast, and the climb from the valley between Glyderau is atmospheric.
What makes Glyder Fach special is its character and views. The summit is more pointed than Glyder Fawr’s plateau, creating a different mountain feel. The views northwards towards the coast and Anglesey are particularly good.
Location: Near Llanberis, LL55 4NE
Access: From the valley between Glyderau (various access points)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenous (depending on route)
Time: 2.5-4 hours return depending on route
Best routes:
- From Ogwen Cottage (via Devil’s Kitchen): Spectacular but challenging route (approx. 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
- From Nant Peris side: Longer but varied scenery
Highlight: The Devil’s Kitchen (Cwm Idwal) is spectacular—a glacial cwm with extraordinary rock formations.
3. Carnedd Llewelyn
Carnedd Llewelyn is the highest point in the Carneddau range and second-highest in Snowdonia (after Snowdon). The mountain is remote, wild, and comparatively quiet, offering genuine solitude and spectacular views.
What makes Carnedd Llewelyn special is its remote, wild character. Unlike Snowdon and the Glyderau, Carnedd Llewelyn sees relatively few climbers, creating a sense of wilderness and solitude rare in Snowdonia. The views across the Carneddau range are outstanding.
Location: Carneddau range, accessible from Bethesda or Llanberis
Access: From Bethesda (car park near A5) or via footpaths from Carneddau settlements
Difficulty: Strenuous (approx. 4-5 hours return from nearest access)
Time: 4-6 hours return depending on route
Best routes:
- From Bethesda via Bwlch y Ddwywal: Most direct route (approx. 2.5 hours up, 2 hours down)
- From Llanberis via Carneddau settlements: Longer but varied scenery
Wilderness: This is genuine Snowdonia wilderness. Be prepared with map, compass, and navigation skills.
4. Tryfan
Tryfan is one of Snowdonia’s most recognisable mountains—dramatic twin peaks that look like something from fantasy. The scramble to the summit requires some basic scrambling but is spectacularly rewarding with views across the Glyderau and towards Snowdon.
What makes Tryfan special is its distinctive shape and accessible scrambling. The mountain looks dramatic from any angle and the summit scramble is exciting without being technically difficult. The views across the Glyderau and Snowdonia are outstanding.
Location: Near Beddgelert, LL55 4NB
Access: From Ogwen Cottage or via footpaths from Beddgelert
Difficulty: Moderate with basic scrambling (not technical)
Time: 3-4 hours return
Best routes:
- From Ogwen Cottage: Most popular route (approx. 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
- From Beddgelert via Bristly Ridge: Spectacular full-day walk
Scrambling: The final section to the summit involves easy scrambling but isn’t technically difficult. Vertigo sufferers may find it challenging.
5. Moel Siabod
Moel Siabod is Snowdonia’s most atmospheric mountain, associated with Arthurian legend (as the burial place of King Arthur). The summit plateau feels otherworldly, particularly when mist swirls around, creating a genuinely mystical experience.
What makes Moel Siabod special is its atmosphere and Arthurian associations. The summit plateau is more like a rocky island than conventional mountain summit, with extraordinary views across southern Snowdonia. The Arthurian legend adds cultural depth to the mountain experience.
Location: Moelwynion range, accessible from Llan Ffestiniog
Access: From Llan Ffestiniog (car park) or via footpaths from Moelwynion settlements
Difficulty: Moderate (approx. 2-3 hours return)
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours return depending on route
Best routes:
- From Llan Ffestiniog: Direct route (approx. 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down)
- From Rhyd Ddu via other Moelwynion peaks: Longer but varied scenery
Atmosphere: Moel Siabod is particularly atmospheric in mist or bad weather, when the summit plateau feels otherworldly.
Hidden Mountain Gems
6. Carnedd Dafydd
Carnedd Dafydd is another Carneddau peak, spectacular but comparatively quiet. The mountain offers outstanding views across the Carneddau range and towards Anglesey, with a summit plateau that feels remote despite its accessibility.
What makes Carnedd Dafydd special is its comparative quiet and spectacular views. Unlike Snowdon and many Glyderau peaks, Carnedd Dafydd sees relatively few climbers, creating genuine solitude.
Location: Carneddau range, accessible from Bethesda or Llanberis
Access: From Bethesda or via footpaths from Carneddau settlements
Difficulty: Strenuous (approx. 3-4 hours return from nearest access)
Time: 3.5-5 hours return depending on route
Note: As with all Carneddau peaks, be prepared with map, compass, and navigation skills.
7. Y Lliwedd
Y Lliwedd is Snowdon’s dramatic neighbour, a spectacular peak in its own right but completely overshadowed by its famous neighbour. The mountain offers outstanding views across Snowdonia and towards the coast, with a summit that feels surprisingly remote.
What makes Y Lliwedd special is its proximity to Snowdon but relative obscurity. Most people climb Snowdon, meaning Y Lliwedd offers similar spectacular scenery with a fraction of the crowds.
Location: Near Llanberis, LL55 4NB
Access: From Llanberis (car park) or via footpaths from Pen-y-Pass
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenous (approx. 2-3 hours return)
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours return depending on route
Views: Outstanding across Snowdonia, Anglesey, and on clear days towards Ireland.
8. Pen yr Ole Wen
Pen yr Ole Wen is the highest point of the Glyderau range and one of Snowdonia’s most dramatic viewpoints. The summit offers spectacular views across the Glyderau and towards Snowdon and the Carneddau.
What makes Pen yr Ole Wen special is its position as the Glyderau’s high point. The views across this dramatic rock range are extraordinary, and the summit plateau feels appropriately elevated and remote.
Location: Glyderau range, accessible from Llanberis or Ogwen Cottage
Access: From Llanberis (car park) or via footpaths from Ogwen Cottage
Difficulty: Strenuous (approx. 3-4 hours return)
Time: 3.5-4.5 hours return depending on route
Scenery: The Glyderau rock formations are particularly spectacular from this vantage point.
Mountain Safety
Snowdonia’s mountains can be dangerous. Follow these guidelines:
Weather: Check forecasts before climbing. Snowdonia weather changes rapidly—start prepared for worse than forecast.
Navigation: Carry map and compass. Mobile reception is unreliable in mountain areas. Know your route before starting.
Clothing: Layers are essential. Even in summer, temperatures drop with altitude and wind increases dramatically.
Food and water: Bring more water than you think you need (minimum 2 litres for a day’s walk). Energy snacks are essential.
Equipment: Sturdy walking boots are non-negotiable. Walking poles help with balance and reduce knee strain.
Never climb alone: Especially on remote peaks. Mountain accidents happen every year.
Know your limits: Turn back if conditions deteriorate or you’re struggling. The summit isn’t worth injury.
Tell someone: Leave details of your planned route and expected return time with someone.
Seasonal Mountain Climbing
Spring: Good climbing weather, but snow and ice can persist on higher peaks into May. Check conditions.
Summer: Best weather but busiest. Early morning starts essential for popular peaks to avoid queues.
Autumn: Generally good weather but shorter daylight hours. Beautiful autumn colours on lower slopes.
Winter: Only for experienced mountaineers with proper equipment (ice axe, crampons). Many routes become winter climbs.
Photography Tips
Glyderau: The dramatic rock formations are spectacular in any light. Overcast days can be better than bright sun—softer light reveals texture.
Carneddau: Remote landscapes reward wide-angle lenses showing mountain scale.
Tryfan: The twin peaks are spectacular from many angles. The view from Ogwen Cottage is particularly photogenic.
Moel Siabod: Atmospheric in any weather, but particularly dramatic in mist or snow.
Mountain Etiquette
Respect wildlife: Snowdonia’s mountains are home to wild goats, birds of prey, and other wildlife. Don’t disturb them.
Leave no trace: Take all rubbish with you. The Carneddau particularly have no facilities.
Keep noise down: Many people visit mountains for peace and quiet.
Respect other climbers: Be patient on narrow paths. Let faster climbers pass.
Planning Your Snowdonia Mountain Visit
By region: Plan by mountain ranges to minimise driving:
- Snowdon massif: Snowdon, Glyderau peaks, Y Lliwedd
- Carneddau: Carnedd Llewelyn, Carnedd Dafydd, Pen yr Ole Wen
- Moelwynion: Moel Siabod, surrounding peaks
- Tryfan area: Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, surrounding hills
By difficulty: Be realistic about your fitness and experience. Snowdon and Glyderau are accessible but strenuous. Carneddau peaks are remote and require navigation skills.
By popularity: Snowdon is always crowded. Other peaks vary but are generally quieter, especially Carneddau which is remote.
A Final Thought
Snowdonia’s mountain heritage is about more than Snowdon. While the highest peak is deservedly famous and offers outstanding views, Snowdonia has dozens of other mountains that are equally spectacular and often provide more rewarding experiences.
The dramatic Glyderau, remote Carneddau, atmospheric Moel Siabod, recognisable Tryfan—these mountains offer diverse experiences from dramatic scrambles to remote wilderness, from spectacular rock formations to Arthurian legend.
The key to enjoying Snowdonia’s mountains is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, climb Snowdon—it’s a bucket-list experience. But also discover Glyder Fawr, explore the Carneddau, experience Moel Siabod’s atmosphere. These mountains offer solitude, scenery, and mountain experiences that Snowdon cannot match because of its crowds.
Snowdonia rewards those who seek out its full mountain heritage. Every peak has its character, its views, its atmosphere. Discovering them reveals why Snowdonia is one of Britain’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
So prepare, plan routes, and climb Snowdonia’s hidden mountains. The views, solitude, and mountain experiences will create lasting memories and show why Snowdonia is so much more than just one famous peak.
This guide reveals Snowdonia’s hidden mountains beyond Snowdon, from the dramatic Glyderau to remote Carneddau, from atmospheric Moel Siabod to recognisable Tryfan. Snowdonia’s mountain heritage includes spectacular peaks that offer solitude and scenery Snowdon cannot match. Explore these hidden mountains and discover Snowdonia’s full mountain landscape.