Walking in Llŷn and the Snowdonia National Park

Snowdon itself, at 3,560 feet (1,085m), is obviously the prime destination for many with the most popular routes to the summit being the Llanberis Path which takes you along the Snowdon Mountain Railway track and should take about 6 hours to walk the 9 miles there and back. Other routes such as the Miners and Pyg track are harder. Please follow the Countryside Code when walking in the area.

There are a number of other mountain ranges that are equally as beautiful and challenging such as Y Carneddau, Y Glyderau, Y Rhinogau and Cader Idris. The scenic North Wales Path which follows the coast and lower mountain slopes between Prestatyn and Bangor offers fascinating sights such as Aber Falls and the Druid’s Circle whilst the traffic free cyclepath from Barmouth to Penmaenpool provides stunning views of the glorious Mawddach estuary. Derek Brockway's Weatherman Walking series has also highlighted many walks in the area where you can download a map and route description to print off and take with you.

Penmaenpool
Penmaenpool 

Coastal Circular Walks 

To make the most of the coastal walking offer there are 18 circular walks that give you the opportunity to enjoy the Coast Path, but also to appreciate nature, heritage, culture and adventure opportunities available in the nearby villages and towns. The routes are located around the Llŷn and Snowdonia coastline and vary from am easy 2 mile walk to a difficult 5 hour trek.

Porthor Beach
Porthor

Wales Coast Path 

Here is a golden opportunity to experience the open but intricate country that is the Llŷn Peninsula, Menai and Meirionnydd coastline. The path follows Gwynedd’s coastline, stretching 180 miles from Llanfairfechan in the north of the county, down to Machynlleth near the south of the county. By following the path you can enjoy the splendour of the areas diverse landscape, there are small  coves and long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and wild heathland. For further information, including maps to download, go to the Wales Coast Path website.

Snowdonia Slate Trail

What is this path? This is an 83 mile circular trail which enables walkers to explore the industrial heritage of the slate villages throughout Snowdonia.

The route, part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, starts at Porth Penrhyn near Bangor and ends at Bethesda and attracts walkers to villages such as Llanllechid, Bethesda, Dinorwig, Llanberis, Waunfawr, Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Croesor, Ffestiniog and Penmachno. The path passes by a number of social enterprises and community run facilities and provides opportunities for people to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the slate heritage of the area.

The Trail sponsors, Cwm Community Action Group of Cwm Penmachno, Betws y Coed, acknowledge the significant assistance in developing the Trail provided by Gwynedd and Conwy Councils, The Ramblers, The Snowdonia Society and, in particular, officers and wardens of the Snowdonia National Park.

Visit Snowdonia Slate Trail to download maps and route instructions, and to read about the many features and attractions along the Trail.

Dinorwig Quarry 880 © RCAHMW
Dinorwig Quarry © RCAHMW 

Ramblers Cymru Train Station Walks

Continue your adventure on foot with a Ramblers walk. Our railway stations are starting points for plenty of scenic walks found in and around our villages, towns and cities including Bangor, Barmouth/Abermaw, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Cricieth, Penrhyndeudraeth and Pwllheli.

Check out the Ramblers Cymru walking routes that start as soon as you’ve gotten off the train. You’ll find something for all abilities and you can do them at your own pace, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike.

Walking Trails in Bala and Penllyn

Bala is a veritable Mecca for walkers with a range of walks to suit everyone from families to experienced hill-walkers. Visit the GoBala website for more details.

Mary Jones Walk

By following this linear route, you will walk 28 miles through the spectacular countryside of the old county of Meirionnydd, from an enchanting valley at the foot of Cadair Idris to the shores of Llyn Tegid. You will cross public paths and paths used with the permission of the landowner, over mountain pastures and through woodlands, along old romantic lanes, country roads and short unavoidable sections on the main road. The splendid views of lakes and mountains will astound you. For more information visit www.bydmaryjonesworld.org.uk

BBC Weatherman Walking Derek Brockway Highlights Some Routes in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Below are links to PDF files that highlight some of the routes Derek has walked in the area.

Aberdyfi
Abergynolwyn
Abersoch to Pwllheli
Bala
Bethesda
Beddgelert
Cader Idris
Carneddau
Dwyryd River Valley
Glyder Fawr
Harlech to Abermaw/Barmouth
Llanberis
Morfa Nefyn
Portmeirion