 As a result of a revised survey of its topographical prominence, Foel Penolau gained Hewitt and Simms status in December 2018 when its prominence was measured to be above 30 metres.The top of Foel Penolau is reputed to be one of the rockiest summits in Snowdonia, where hands must be used to attain the summit.The summit is on a large smooth slab of rock which is the surface of the outcrop from which the top was formed.