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View of lake stretching into distance with rocky hill to on side
Yr Aran, Snowdonia | © National Trust Images/Keith Jones
Wales

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk

This route starts and finishes at Craflwyn, but allows you to explore much of the wider Nant Gwynant valley. Take in the wild and lonely heath and ffridd beneath Yr Aran, the lower slope of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), amazing waterfalls of Afon Cwm Llan and the stunning Llyn Dinas lake. Along the way you'll learn about this fascinating landscape and how we're protecting it.

Be prepared for a day in the mountains

Only part of this route is waymarked, so please ensure you have a map and compass with you, check the weather before setting off and be prepared for a day out in the mountains. The route also takes you through several farms, therefore you are likely to encounter livestock.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

Craflwyn National Trust car park, grid ref: SH600489

Step 1

From the National Trust car park at Craflwyn take the footpath leading up through the woodland. At the fork in the path, follow the black arrow waymarker to the right. Continue past the dragon bench and then up some steps with a small waterfall to your left.

Step 2

At the top of the steps follow the path to the right, through some birch trees and into a clearing. Continue ahead following the black arrows and ignoring two paths that lead to the right. Stop off to admire the view from the Giant's Chair on your right before continuing to the left and climbing up some steps (ignore the stile on your right) and follow the path as it weaves up, cross a small stile over a fence and head up towards the ffridd.

Large wooden chair on a hilltop overlooking mountain scenery
The Giant's Chair, Snowdonia | © National Trust Images/Gwenno Parry

Step 3

Follow the path east towards Bylchau Terfyn. There's usually a carpet of bluebells in the ffridd on your left in early summer. Cross a stile at the wall and continue following the black waymarkers. When you reach the bridge near an old ruin, turn left onto a track and continue upwards.

Step 4

Turn left again at the next ruin. Continue on the path until you reach another stile over a wall. Follow the way-markers down towards the Watkin Path, on a clear day you'll be able to see Llyn Gwynant and Moel Siabod in the distance.

Step 5

When you reach a track (the Watkin Path) turn right and descend the lower slope of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon. (Please note the black waymarkers end here.) The impressive Afon Cwm Llan waterfalls will be on your left and the last stretch of the Watkin Path takes you through beautiful ancient oak woodlands of Parc Hafod y Llan.

Old cobblestone path running along slope near bottom of a valley beside a stream
Watkin Path, Wales | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Step 6

At the bottom of the track, turn right onto a lane and then right again at the main road. After passing Caffi Gwynant take the next left turning, crossing the River Glaslyn. Followed by the first right, signposted Llyndy Isaf Farm. Follow the track past the farm and walk along the shores of Llyn Dinas, you will pass through several gates on the way.

Step 7

At the end of the lake, continue straight ahead and through a gate, following the Glaslyn downstream towards Beddgelert. Follow the path until you reach the old Sygun Copper Mines, and from here take the right towards the main road. At the road turn left and continue along the road until you reach Craflwyn on your right.

End point

Craflwyn National Trust car park, grid ref: SH600489

Trail map

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk
Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights Ordnance Survey

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near Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NG

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