Pen Llithrig y Wrach

Pen Llithrig y Wrach stands in Snowdonia, North Wales, as a Marilyn peak within the Carneddau range. The mountain overlooks Llyn Eigiau to the north and Tryfan to the south, with Creigiau Gleision to the east and Pen yr Helgi Du to the west. Its name means ‘Slippery Head of the Witch’, possibly reflecting the boggy ground below or its pointed shape like a witch’s hat. The peak is a lower outlier of the Carneddau, yet it offers routes to higher summits such as Carnedd Llewelyn. From its eastern flank it drops sharply to Llyn Cowlyd, a reservoir below. The mountain’s slopes rise from the Conwy valley near Dolgarrog and Tal-y-bont, or from the south near Capel Curig and the A5 road. Seen from the north near Llandudno, the peak stands out clearly against the skyline. Walkers often use it as a stepping stone to the main Carneddau ridge. The contrast between its rugged profile and the surrounding lakes and valleys makes it a distinctive landmark. On the summit there is a small cairn marking the highest point. The views stretch across the Carneddau peaks to the west and the Glyderau to the south. To the east the reservoir of Llyn Cowlyd fills the hollow below. The paths are rough and often wet, but the climb rewards with wide horizons over Snowdonia’s central ranges.