Hidden gem · Capel Curig

Crimpiau Summit Walk

At just 470 metres, Crimpiau is the kind of small mountain that makes you feel like you've discovered a secret — a 45-minute walk from Capel Curig village delivers a 360-degree panorama that rivals peaks three times its height. The Glyderau, Carneddau, Tryfan, Moel Siabod, and the twin Mymbyr lakes all appear at once, spread below you like a relief map of Snowdonia.

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The Walk Up

The route starts from the path beside the church opposite Joe Brown's outdoor shop in the centre of Capel Curig — you can also park at the Moel Siabod Café just off the A5 and pick up the trail from there. The ascent is short, well-graded, and requires no specialist equipment, making it ideal for confident walkers who want serious views without a serious slog.

The path winds up through open moorland before the summit reveals itself abruptly, and with it one of the finest panoramic views in Snowdonia. The steep cliffs and peaks of the Glyderau dominate the skyline, with Tryfan's jagged profile impossible to miss.

What You'll See at the Top

From the summit, the Carneddau range stretches north with their long, broad ridges, while Moel Siabod fills the view to the south-west, framed by the twin lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr running down through Dyffryn Mymbyr valley. On a clear day the view encompasses nearly every major range in Snowdonia simultaneously.

Because Crimpiau sits well below the radar of most guidebooks, you are very likely to have the summit entirely to yourself — a rare luxury in a national park that draws millions of visitors a year.

Practical Notes

The circular walk takes roughly 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace and is suitable for fit beginners wearing proper footwear. Paths can be boggy after rain, so waterproof boots are strongly advised.

Reward yourself afterwards with a slice of cake at the Moel Siabod Café at the foot of the hill — the parking there is free and the staff are used to muddy boots.

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