This is an easy route with minimal amounts of scrambling but it is by far the best way up Pen yr Ole Wen from the Ogwen Valley (the alternative being the soul-destroying slog up the South Ridge).

Begin at Ogwen Cottage and go left to cross the stile leading to Pen yr Ole Wen's South Ridge path. Rather than going up turn right on a path that skirts the shore of Llyn Ogwen. Follow this until you reach the path heading into Cwm Lloer.

Take this as it gently climbs up the hillside following the stream until you reach the cwm. As the ground levels look left to see the East Ridge. Walk up to its base with broken bands of rock above.

The easiest way is up a shallow gully to the left but other lines are available which offer more rock. Above this the ridge reclines. The best bet is to keep to the right edge for views over the cliffs back into Cwm Lloer. Simply follow the ridge upwards to the summit.

From here there are several options. One is to continue onto Carnedd Daffyd and descend quiet slopes to Bethseda. If, however, you've left a car at Ogwen then the steep South Ridge is the most direct way down.