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.
Please Note:
- Hafod Eryri (the summit cafe) is closed until summer 2023.
- There is no public toilets at the summit.
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.
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.
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.
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
Llŷn Digital Trails
Five spectacular walks around the Llŷn Peninsula including Plas yn Rhiw, Plas Glyn y Weddw, Porthdinllaen, Aberdaron and Nefyn. Download them App free to your iPhone, iPad or Android from www.ahne- llyn-aonb.org
Slate Valleys Path
From the end of the 18th Century until the beginning of the 20th Century the slate valley communities of Gwynedd - Ogwen, Peris, Nantlle, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Corris - were dynamic, thriving industrial areas. Between them these areas consisted of over 60 quarries and mines employing over 18,000 people.
BBC Weatherman Walking Derek Brockway Highlights Some Routes in Snowdonia
Below are links to PDF files that highlight some of the routes Derek has walked in the area.
