Contents
Overview
Set within the heart of Snowdonia, this walk explores one of the most distinctive and characterful valleys in the area. Winding through woodland, river gorge, village paths and lakeside tracks, the route offers constant variety without the need for a major climb.
From Nantmor, the route heads into woodland before joining the Afon Glaslyn as it cuts through the Aberglaslyn Gorge. This section follows a narrow riverside path through rock and trees, with the gorge walls rising close by and the sound of the river never far away. It is one of the most memorable low level sections in Snowdonia, dramatic without being difficult and easy to follow throughout. The route passes through Beddgelert, using a mix of village paths and river crossings to link the two halves of the walk. Stone bridges and open riverside space briefly replace the enclosed feel of the gorge, giving a clear change of setting before the path leaves the village and continues along the valley.
Leaving the village, the route follows the river and a quiet lane up the valley, past the Sygun Copper Mine, to the western end of Llyn Dinas. Here it turns away from the water and zig-zags up the hillside, with views back over the lake, to the pass at Bwlch y Sygun, the highest point of the walk. From there a long, steady descent down Cwm Bychan, past the old pylons and remains of the copper mine workings, brings you back through the woods to the car park.
Go prepared, stay safe,
and enjoy the hike!
Key Info
Crowds
Moderate
This is a gentler, lower-level walk, and away from Beddgelert it usually feels relaxed. The village itself is the busy part, and it can get crowded on sunny weekends, bank holidays and in high summer. We found little specific crowd information for the rest of the route, so the tips below are mostly general.
When it gets busy
- Beddgelert village on sunny weekends, bank holidays and in the peak summer season
- Village car parks in spring and summer and at weekends, which can fill very quickly
- Gelert's Grave and the riverside near the village, the busiest stretch of this walk (general guidance)
For a quieter walk
- Pass through Beddgelert early in the morning or later in the afternoon
- Go in late autumn or early spring, outside the peak season
- Choose a weekday rather than a weekend or bank holiday
- Use the Snowdon Sherpa bus, which stops at Aberglaslyn bridge and Beddgelert, instead of driving
- Take your break by Llyn Dinas or up in Cwm Bychan rather than in the village (general advice)
Our crowd rating is for a typical sunny weekend in spring or summer, in the middle of the day. Timing makes a big difference, so even a busy walk can be quiet early, late or midweek.
The Route
Disclaimer: Route information and GPX files are provided for general guidance only. Conditions can change, so always use your own judgement and navigate responsibly. See our Terms of Use & Disclaimer for more information.
Route Guide
- 1
Through the Aberglaslyn Gorge1.0 mi · 30m up · 20m downLeave the car park by the toilets and head west through the woods to the river, then turn right onto the Fisherman's Path and follow the Afon Glaslyn north up the gorge. The path is rocky where it squeezes between the cliffs and the water, then eases as the valley opens out.
- 2
Gelert's Grave and Beddgelert0.8 mi · 10m upCross the Welsh Highland Railway with care, then cross the river by the footbridge and turn right upstream towards Beddgelert. The path then bears left to Gelert's Grave before you reach the village, where you cross back over the river by another footbridge.
- 3
Riverside to Llyn Dinas1.5 mi · 20m upFollow the riverside path and then a quiet lane north-east up the valley, passing the Sygun Copper Mine about a mile out of the village. Where the lane meets the river, turn right and follow the path upstream to Llyn Dinas.
- 4
Zig-zags above the lake0.6 mi · 140m upAs soon as you reach the shore of Llyn Dinas, turn right onto the stone-pitched path that zig-zags south up the hillside, rather than carrying on along the lake. The climb eases onto a boggy plateau with views back over the water.
- 5
Over to Bwlch y Sygun0.4 mi · 70m upCarry on for about half a mile south-west across the high ground to Bwlch y Sygun, the highest point of the walk. Other paths branch off along here, so check your map to stay on the route.
- 6
Down Cwm Bychan1.5 mi · 250m downAt Bwlch y Sygun, take the left-hand path heading south down into Cwm Bychan, passing the old pylons of an aerial ropeway and other remains of the copper mines. Lower down, bear right and follow the path down through the woods back to the car park.
Use the route on OS Maps, AllTrails or Komoot to navigate on the day; this guide is for planning.
Parking
The hike starts at the small National Trust pay & display car park at Aberglaslyn in Nantmor (LL55 4YG, but the postcode doesn't take you straight there, so use the map directions above). I've never had to wait for a space, even on a sunny summer's day. It's free for National Trust members; everyone else pays at the machine (coins only) or with the JustPark app (code 80551); check the latest prices here. There's very little mobile signal at the car park, so download the route before you set off. If it's full, there's another car park part way round the route (see Alternative Parking below). For public transport, click "Directions" and choose public transport (the little train icon).
Alternative Parking
Facilities & Hospitality
Public toilets, and 30 minutes of free public Wi-Fi, with additional time available to buy if needed. Lots of restaurants, pubs, and bars also offer free Wi-Fi.
The old copper mine has a café and toilets if you decide to make a stop there.
Great food and a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a stunning river terrace for those warm, sunny days. Open in the evenings, with lunch at weekends.
A family-run ice cream and pizza parlour in Beddgelert for over 55 years, with toilets and free Wi-Fi. They serve some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted and I've heard great things about the pizza too.
Another great choice in Beddgelert, they serve amazing lunch bites, sweet treats, hot and cold drinks, and much more.
This cosy guest house is situated in the centre of the village within easy reach of the local amenities including pubs, restaurants and of course, some stunning walks. There are views from the first-floor rooms towards the Aberglaslyn pass and Gelert's grave, so request one of these if possible.
Weather
Hike Videos
Note: Videos are made by other walkers, not The Lost Peak. They may not follow this exact route, and paths, conditions and facilities may have changed since filming.
Photo Gallery
Photos
Photo credits
Photos without a credit are our own. These are used under Creative Commons licences; thank you to the photographers.
Aberglaslyn Pass with walkway besideby Richard Hoare, Wikimedia Commons (Geograph)Original photoCC BY-SA 2.0 licence
Afon Glaslyn in the Pass of Aberglaslynby Mat Fascione, Wikimedia Commons (Geograph)Original photoCC BY-SA 2.0 licence
Afon Glaslyn in the Pass of Aberglaslynby Mat Fascione, Wikimedia Commons (Geograph)Original photoCC BY-SA 2.0 licence
Through the Aberglaslyn Passby Peter Trimming, Wikimedia Commons (Geograph)Original photoCC BY-SA 2.0 licence
Hints & Tips
Old Mine Workings
The route is steep in places, and the area is littered with pits, tunnels, and spoil heaps, so I'd advise to keep to the path
Slippery Gorge Path
The path that runs along the side of Aberglaslyn Gorge can be extremely slippy and uneven, so take care
Railway Crossing
The Welsh Highland Railway service crosses this route, so please take care when crossing any railway tracks
Railway Tunnels
Don't walk through the old railway tunnels by the gorge, trains run through them and there's no room to step aside
Junction Above Llyn Dinas
On the high ground after the zig-zag climb from Llyn Dinas, several paths split off. Keep left for Bwlch y Sygun; the paths to the right head for Mynydd Sygun and the copper mine. It's the easiest place on the route to go wrong.
Cattle by the Lake
Welsh Black cattle graze around Llyn Dinas in early summer, so keep dogs under control
Arrive by Steam Train
You can arrive by steam train, the Welsh Highland Railway stops at Nantmor near the start
Interesting Facts
General
The Gelert Brand
The outdoor brand Gelert, founded in Gwynedd in the 1970s, takes its name from the legendary dog of the same name.
Industrial Past
As you venture into the depths of Gwynant Valley, remnants of a bygone era punctuate the landscape, weaving a narrative of industrial ambition and natural beauty. The towering pylons of a once bustling copper mining operation, stand as solemn witnesses to the past. Dating back to the 1920s, the aerial ropeway, though plagued with mishaps, served as a lifeline for transporting copper ore from the upper reaches of Cwm Bychan to the processing plant near Nantmor. Amidst this industrial legacy lies a precious ecological treasure: internationally scarce heathland, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife including the graceful grayling butterfly. Click here for more info.
Moel Siabod View
When facing Llyn Dinas, you can see Moel Siabod straight ahead in the distance, framed by Gwynant Valley.
Gelert's Grave
Gelert's grave was put up around 1802 by David Pritchard, the first tenant-manager of the Beddgelert Hotel (now the Royal Goat Hotel), to encourage tourism.
The Village Name
Beddgelert village is commonly linked to the Gelert legend, but it probably derives its name from Celert, a Christian missionary in the 8th century. The earliest documented name, "Bekelert," dates back to 1258, and by 1269, it appeared as "Bedkelerd."
The Legend of Gelert the Hound
Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Snowdonia lies Beddgelert, a village whose very name whispers a poignant legend. It speaks of Prince Llywelyn the Great, his faithful hound Gelert, and a fateful day etched in tragedy. Upon returning from a hunt, the prince's heart soared at Gelert's joyous greeting, only to plummet into despair at the sight of blood staining the dog's fur. Panic seized him as he found his son's cradle overturned and blood-soaked. Blinded by fear and fury, he struck down his beloved companion. The truth, however, dawned horrifyingly soon. A slain wolf lay nearby, revealing Gelert's heroic defence against the predator. Grief and remorse consumed the prince as he laid Gelert to rest by the gurgling river, forever echoing his name. Beddgelert, meaning "Gelert's Grave," stands as a stark reminder of the enduring bond between man and animal, and the devastating consequences of rash judgment. This poignant legend continues to resonate, an enduring testament to loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.
The Legends of Llyn Dinas
Though history offers no concrete link, Arthurian lore paints a captivating picture of Llyn Dinas. Legends tell of Owain, a valiant knight of the Round Table, locked in a titanic duel with a formidable giant on the lake's edge. Whispers speak of deeper secrets still, like usurper-king Vortigern hiding his stolen throne in its depths, or Merlin's enchanted treasures slumbering unseen. Yet, the most alluring legend casts Llyn Dinas as the final resting place of Excalibur, Arthur's legendary blade, patiently awaiting the return of a worthy hand to claim its power and usher in a new chapter in its mythos. Whether mere fanciful embellishments or echoes of a forgotten truth, Llyn Dinas remains a captivating touchstone to a world of valor, hidden wonders, and the enduring power of legend.
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