It was raining as we drove north from Betws-y-coed towards Tal-y-Bont, with plenty of low cloud cover on the surrounding hills.  The forecast had indicated sunny spells and showers, so we kept our fingers crossed.
At Tal-y-Bont we turned left (eventually, after a quick about turn!) and followed a very narrow road up hill. At the top, we turned right and continued along a gated road into the wilds of the Welsh valley of Snowdonia.  At the end of the road is a very small car park, with little other roadside spaces available.  Needless to say, being early, wet and windy, there was only a couple of cars there.
As we parked the rain turned very heavy and pounded down on the car.  We decided to wait a while as there was blue sky on the horizon to the west.
	We made a move from the car as soon as the rain cloud had passed.  It had been  a long wait but at least it now the sun shone ...... for the moment.  We left the car park, crossed the stile and followed the track leading to the old reservoir, Llyn Eigiau. (photo, right:  Rain clouds moving to the east.) (photo, left:  View south west to Cwn Eigiau )
On reaching the old dam wall, we turned left and crossed the stream flowing from Llyn Eigiau. The path continued along the base of the hills, eventually meeting a second path that forked right.  This path crossed the river Eigiau then up through Cwn Eigiau. (photo:  The peak of Pen yr Helgi Du, centre.)
We continued straight ahead, avoiding the path that went up to the disused mine.  The path we continued on became very indistinct.  (The route was taken from Trail magazine which indicated a path, but I had my doubts about the path.)  Our point of aim was for Bwlch y Tri Marchog where the 'so called' path followed the line of a fence.  On reaching the fence, we had a rest before starting the steep climb. (photo:  Approaching Bwlch y Tri Marchog (the red line shows the route up.)
The initial part of the route wasn't too bad, but nearer the top it became very boggy ... and unavoidable.  In parts we had to scramble up the bog, which presented us with the problem of finding firm foot positions.  Fortunately it wasn't raining otherwise it would have been worse.  It was a relief to reach the top. (photo:  The shoulder of Pen yr Helgi Du, with Carnedd Llewelyn beyond)
The walk to Pen yr Helgi Du was gentle at first, then became steeper as we neared the peak.  Clouds and rain continued to obscure Carnedd Llewelyn, although the surrounding hills remained clear.  We did have the odd drop of rain, though not serious enough for wet weather clothing. (photo:  Looking back along the valley to the start of the walk)
We passed the bench mark and continued to the drop leading down to Bwlch Eryl Farchog ridge.  The path to the ridge is steep and rocky with drops either side, a little nerve racking at first!  Having looked at the clouds and rain ahead, plus the time, I started have doubts about continuing.  We started the descent and almost reached the ridge, then after discussion, we decided to abort the visit to Carnedd Llewelyn.   (photo:  Bwlch Eryl Farchog ridge.)
	(photo, right:  Looking across to the Ogwen Valley, the peak of Tryfan, with stormy clouds everywhere.) (photo, left:  Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir to the west below the ridge.
We returned to Pen yr Helgi Du and had lunch.  The alternative plan was to return over Pen Llithrig y Wrach.  Having finished lunch, we set of down to the pass were we had climbed up from Cwn Eigiau earlier in the day.  From there it was a steady climb to the top of Pen Llithrig y Wrach. (photo:  Pen yr Helgi Du bench mark with Pen Llithrig y Wrach to the left.)
A path led of the top in the direction we wanted, although it isn't shown on the OS map.  On reaching the lower flat area, the path became rather boggy and less easy to follow.  The path eventual disappeared so the compass kept us in the general direction.  We continued and finally, after a little detour, joined the path coming from Llyn Cowlyd reservoir.  This path took us to a disused house (it looked disused!) called Eilio where a track took us back to the old dam wall.  From there it was a walk along the track to the car park.  (Thankfully, our Miendl boots are excellent protection against water.) (photo: Looking north east from Pen Llithrig y Wrach. (the path weaves through the heather)
	(photo, left:  Bwlch Eryl Farchog ridge with 'serious' clouds on Carnedd Llewelyn) (photo, right:  The day finished as it started .... raining!)

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