Pronunciation: Pen ur Ola Wen

The east face, seen from Cwm Lloer

Pen yr Ole Wen's appeal depends on how you look at it. From the Ogwen Valley, it appears unattractive and dull; a vast, heather-swathed slope rising uneventfully to the level of the Carneddau plateau far above. From the other side, looking from the northern Glyders or the Nant Ffrancon valley, Pen yr Ole Wen displays an interesting tilted strata of cliffs and a broad pyramidal shape. Perhaps Idwal Cottage is the best vantage point, looking directly up the blunt south ridge. From here the mountain takes on an elegent pointed aspect, rather like a more pedestrian version of the nearby Tryfan.

Possibly the most worthwhile approach to Pen yr Ole Wen is via Cwm Lloer, avoiding the relentlessly steep south ridge and providing close and detailed views of the crags on the mountain's east face, which encircles the beautiful tarn of Ffynnon Lloer. The initial ascent to the lake is quite tiring in hot weather, though, due to spongy grass and vague paths. The going is nowhere steep, but it isn't rocky either, and I tend to prefer some rock underfoot.

Once Cwm Lloer is reached, head up the east ridge of the mountain--which is enlivened by a short scramble up a gully--and follow it all the way to the top. The views improve with every step, and from the plateau itself they are breathtaking.

Pen yr Ole Wen stands at the junction of the Ogwen and Nant Ffrancon valleys, and the encircling mountains are all seen from their finest side, particularly Tryfan and the main two Glyders. Snowdon is framed attractively between Y Garn and Glyder Fawr. Looking over the ridge leading to Carnedd Dafydd, one can see many miles out towards the Isle of Anglesey.

The ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen is a bit of a plod compared to the more exciting mountains nearby, but the view is superb and worth every step.

From Y Garn summit	From the pass of Devil's Kitchen
From above Idwal Cottage	From Cwm Lloer
View from the summit	Looking towards the coast