Peak Bagging in Wales
Wales offers some of the most intense and rewarding peak bagging in the UK. The mountains are compact, the terrain is often rocky and exposed, and many peaks pack a huge amount of character into relatively short distances.
From the knife-edge ridges of Snowdonia to the broad plateaus of the Carneddau and the open summits of the Brecon Beacons, Wales suits both first-time peak baggers and experienced walkers looking for classic mountain days.
This list brings together Wales’ essential peaks — mountains that define their regions and represent meaningful milestones in a peak bagger’s journey.
What Makes a Peak “Essential” in Wales?
Each peak on this list meets several of the following criteria:
- It represents its mountain group or region exceptionally well
- It offers a distinctive ascent, ridge, or summit character
- It is widely regarded as a classic Welsh mountain
- It contributes to skill and confidence progression
- It balances famous icons with quieter but outstanding summits
This is not simply a list of the highest peaks. It’s a foundation list for peak bagging in Wales.
How to Use This List
There’s no fixed order for completing these peaks. You might choose to:
- Work region by region
- Build up difficulty gradually
- Focus on classic peaks first, then quieter summits
- Bag peaks seasonally throughout the year
Take your time, these mountains reward careful planning and repeat visits.
Wales’ Essential Peaks (By Region)
Snowdonia (Eryri)
The heart of Welsh peak bagging, home to the country’s highest, sharpest, and most technical mountains.
1. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- Height: 1,085m
- Why it’s essential: The highest peak in Wales and a national icon.
- Typical time to summit: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
2. Tryfan
- Height: 918m
- Why it’s essential: A true hands-on mountain with continuous scrambling.
- Typical time to summit: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Scrambling
3. Crib Goch
- Height: 923m
- Why it’s essential: One of the most famous knife-edge ridges in the UK.
- Typical time to summit: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Scrambling
Glyderau
A rugged, rocky range known for its lunar landscapes and complex terrain.
4. Glyder Fawr
- Height: 1,001m
- Why it’s essential: A chaotic summit plateau with vast views.
- Typical time to summit: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
5. Glyder Fach
- Height: 994m
- Why it’s essential: Home to Castell y Gwynt and classic scrambling.
- Typical time to summit: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Carneddau
Big, wild mountains with long ridges and a feeling of remoteness rare elsewhere in Wales.
6. Carnedd Llewelyn
- Height: 1,064m
- Why it’s essential: Wales’ second-highest peak with a vast plateau.
- Typical time to summit: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
7. Carnedd Dafydd
- Height: 1,044m
- Why it’s essential: Often combined with Carnedd Llewelyn on classic routes.
- Typical time to summit: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
8. Pen yr Ole Wen
- Height: 978m
- Why it’s essential: A steep, rewarding ascent at the edge of the range.
- Typical time to summit: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Cadair Idris & Mid Wales
Dramatic, standalone mountains rising steeply from lower ground.
9. Cadair Idris (Penygadair)
- Height: 893m
- Why it’s essential: A striking mountain steeped in myth and legend.
- Typical time to summit: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
10. Aran Fawddwy
- Height: 905m
- Why it’s essential: A quieter alternative to Snowdonia’s busiest peaks.
- Typical time to summit: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Open ridges, wide skies, and some of the most accessible mountain walking in Wales.
11. Pen y Fan
- Height: 886m
- Why it’s essential: The highest peak in southern Britain.
- Typical time to summit: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
12.
Corn Du
- Height: 873m
- Why it’s essential: A dramatic companion peak to Pen y Fan.
- Typical time to summit: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
13.
Fan Brycheiniog
- Height: 802m
- Why it’s essential: A quieter summit with excellent views.
- Typical time to summit: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
14. Fan y Big
- Height: 719m
- Why it’s essential: Famous for its dramatic cliff edge and views.
- Typical time to summit: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Difficulty & Progression Notes
Wales offers a higher concentration of scrambling and exposure than much of England. Weather can change rapidly, and even popular peaks can feel serious in poor conditions.
Choose routes that match your experience and be prepared to adapt plans if needed.
Track Your Progress with Peaky Baggers
Log Wales’ essential peaks, track what you’ve bagged, and plan your next summit — all in one place with Peaky Baggers.
Final Thought
Wales offers some of the most concentrated and characterful peak bagging in the UK. Compact, dramatic, and demanding, these mountains leave a lasting impression long after you’ve descended.
Photo by Josh Kirk on Unsplash
