Pen yr Helgi Du

Pen yr Helgi Du is a mountain peak in the Carneddau range in Snowdonia, North Wales. Its name means ‘head of the black hound’ in Welsh. The summit stands on the south-eastern flanks of Carnedd Llewelyn, linked to it by the narrow Bwlch Eryl Farchog ridge. To the east lies Pen Llithrig y Wrach, known as the slippery peak of the witch. Cwm Eigiau valley lies on one side and Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir on the other. The peak is part of the highest group of Welsh mountains, the Carneddau. Its knife-edge ridge drops steeply over cliffs such as Craig Yr Ysfa. Walkers often combine it with Carnedd Llewelyn in longer routes. The surrounding cwms and reservoirs add to the dramatic scenery. Visitors reach the summit by following paths from the Carneddau’s high plateau. The ridge walk offers wide views across Snowdonia’s peaks and valleys. From the top, the cliffs of Craig Yr Ysfa drop sharply below. The contrast between the black stone of the summit and the green valleys below is striking.