Foel Grach
Foel Grach: The Wind-Swept Shelter of the Carneddau
Foel Grach stands tall at 976 metres, making it the eighth-highest peak in Wales and part of the commanding Carneddau range. While it doesn’t have the rugged drama of Tryfan or the sharp ridges of Crib Goch, Foel Grach offers something else, space, scale, and the feeling of being deep in the high wilds of Snowdonia. With wide grassy ridges, sweeping views, and even a small summit shelter, this is a mountain built for striding out.
Big Skies and Quiet Heights
Set between Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach is a key stop along the main Carneddau ridge. Its rounded summit and remote position make it a peaceful place to pause, with panoramic views across the range and out to the coast. The emergency shelter near the summit is a rare feature and a welcome sight in harsh weather. If you like your walks long and your summits quiet, this one’s for you.
Snowdon’s varied routes mean there’s something for everyone, from leisurely walkers to seasoned hikers. Whether you’re taking the popular Llanberis Path or tackling the exhilarating Crib Goch ridge, each ascent is rewarding in its own way. Reaching the summit is not just about the view; it’s about the journey, the effort, and the stories you’ll tell after.
© Brad Carr
Walks & Hikes Around Foel Grach
Foel Grach is best reached as part of a longer ridge walk, often combined with other Carneddau peaks. These are some of the best routes to take in this high, open mountain:
Book a Guided Hike on Foel Grach
Carnedd Llewelyn & Foel Grach Loop from Gerlan
- 9.5 mi
- 6 hrs - 7 hrs
A classic walk across the Carneddau ridgeline, taking in Cwm Caseg, Llewelyn, and Foel Grach before descending to Bethesda.
Foel Grach via Bethesda and Braich Ty Du
- 8.2 mi
- 5 hrs - 6 hrs
A direct but scenic ridge approach, giving sweeping views with a steady gradient and fewer crowds.
Carneddau Traverse (Pen yr Ole Wen to Foel Fras)
- 13.5 mi
- 8 hrs - 10 hrs
Foel Grach features midway along this epic point-to-point ridge route, one of Snowdonia’s best full-day challenges.
From Cwm Eigiau via Melynllyn
- 7.5 mi
- 5 hrs - 6 hrs
Approach Foel Grach from the remote Cwm Eigiau valley, passing dramatic reservoirs and wild mountain terrain.
Short Loop from Carnedd Llewelyn Summit
- 3.5 mi
- 2 hrs - 3 hrs
Add Foel Grach as a quieter bonus summit after climbing Llewelyn. The walk between them is a gentle ridge stroll.
What to Know Before You Go
Foel Grach is remote and exposed, and the weather can change quickly. Bring a map, compass, and full mountain kit, even in summer. Navigation can be challenging in mist, and the terrain, though not technical, is long and committing. The summit shelter is for emergencies only, not regular use. Prepare for a full mountain day, especially if combining with other peaks.
Why We Love Foel Grach
Foel Grach is all about the journey. Whether you’re traversing the Carneddau ridge or heading up from a quiet valley, this peak rewards with space, silence, and that special sense of being far from the modern world. It’s where the wind whistles, the sky stretches endlessly, and every step reminds you just how vast Snowdonia can feel.
How to Get to Foel Grach
Foel Grach is typically accessed from Bethesda (postcode: LL57 3UQ) or the Ogwen Valley, depending on your route. Parking is available at Gerlan, Cwm Eigiau, or Ogwen Cottage. If using public transport, buses from Bangor serve Bethesda, which is the best starting point for Cwm Caseg approaches.
If you’re travelling by public transport, the nearest train station is in Bangor, from where you can catch a bus to Llanberis. Sherpa buses also link the main trailheads, including Pen-y-Pass and Snowdon Ranger.
A Bit of Foel Grach History
The name “Foel Grach” means “Scabby Bare Hill” in Welsh, a curious name for such a proud summit. The emergency shelter was built in the 1960s to provide safety on the ridge, a nod to the mountain’s wild conditions. The area around Foel Grach has long been used by hill farmers and drovers, and the nearby reservoirs tell stories of a landscape shaped by both nature and people.
Keep exploring
Foel Grach is just one of the many high, open peaks that define the Carneddau range. Want more wild ridge walks, sweeping views, and remote summits? Explore the rest of this epic corner of Snowdonia.