In the Nantlle Valley the development of the slate industry was hampered initially by poor transport links. With the opening of a horse drawn tramway to the quay at Caernarfon in 1828, Dorothea, Cilgwyn and Pen-y-bryn quarries grew quickly. In 1848 the tramway was adapted for use by a steam engine. In the 1860s much of the earlier tramway was incorporated into the new Caernarfon to Afonwen main line, now the Lôn Eifion cycle route.
Five options are available.
Rhostryfan / Rhosgadfan
Distance: 8.0 km / 5 miles
Approx time: 1.5 hours
Ordnance Survey Map: OS 254
Cilgwyn and Nantlle Area
Distance: 7.1 km / 4.4 miles
Approx time: 1.5 hours
Ordnance Survey Map: OS 254
Penygroes and Cilgwyn Area
Distance: 6.3 km / 3.9 miles
Approx time: 1 hours
Ordnance Survey Map: OS 254
Llanllyfni and Talysasrn Area
Distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
Approx time: 1 hours
Ordnance Survey Map: OS 254
Nasareth and Nebo Area
Distance: 8.0 km / 5 miles
Approx time: 1.5 hours
Ordnance Survey Map: OS 254
