Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan walk
Along this challenging circular route you'll take in the spectacular Aberglaslyn gorge with the Glaslyn river raging alongside the path. The trail passes Bedd y Ci (the grave of Prince Llywelyn's faithful hound), the beautiful village of Beddgelert, the placid waters of Llyn Dinas and the old copper mine workings of Sygun and Cwm Bychan.
Keep to the path
Keep to the path as the area is dotted with tunnels, spoil heaps and pits.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
National Trust car park, Nantmor, grid ref: SH597462
Step 1
From the car park, go through a gate near the toilet block and turn left for Aberglaslyn. Walk up through the woods, when you reach the river turn right to follow it upstream. This fisherman's path will take you along the side of the Aberglaslyn gorge. Great care should be taken when negotiating this part of the path, especially the stone buttress above the river. Continue until you reach the railway tracks and take care when crossing: the Welsh Highland Railway service travels between Caernarfon and Porthmadog along this route. Cross the railway line and turn left onto the bridge to cross the river, then turn right towards Beddgelert and continue upstream.
Step 2
As you approach the village of Beddgelert don't miss the detour on the left to see Gelert's grave from the famous Welsh legend. See if you can spot the special bronze sculpture of Gelert nearby.
Step 3
At Beddgelert head right over a footbridge then left, following the river upstream. Cross a street and go through a gate.
Step 4
At the next gate, turn right onto a narrow lane. Follow this past Sygun Copper mine. At the river, turn right to follow the path upstream towards the lake.
Step 5
By the lake shore (Llyn Dinas) turn right up a stone-pitched footpath that zig-zags up the hill. At the top continue for half a mile (ignore the first path on the right) at the fork, bear right.
Step 6
From Bwlch y Sygun take the left path (heading south). Then bear right, down Cwm Bychan to the car park.
End point
Nantmor car park, grid ref: SH597462
Trail map
More near here
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This walk leads you from the village centre, along River Glaslyn's banks to Gelert's grave site. You'll also discover the legend of Gelert & Prince Llywelyn which gave the village its name.
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A circular walk through ancient woodland, across mountain scenery that also goes past Gelert's grave at Beddgelert and to Aberglaslyn gorge.
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