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The Route
13. Capel Curig to Bethesda
Distance: 17.6km, 11.0mls Ascent: 150m, 500ft Time; 5 - 6hrs
The hard walking is over and you can enjoy a virtually level walk to the head of the impressive U-shaped Nant Ffrancon valley. Then comes a few miles of minor road down this beautiful valley, after which you join the Lon Las Ogwen cycleway. This takes you around the blue cascading slate tips of the Penrhyn Quarry before a short cycleway takes you back into Bethesda. You've done it. Congratulations.
The maps and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the map as a JPG: Part one, Part two
Download the GPS route in KML format
12. Betws y Coed to Capel Curig
Distance: 9.5km, 5.9mls Ascent: 420m, 1350ft Time; 3 - 4hrs
This is a lovely section with plenty of interest. The Trail leaves Betws y Coed by a well-engineered riverside walk, passing the famous Swallow Falls before reaching the road at The Ugly House. A steep pull up a lane takes you once more into the Gwydir Forest and good woodland tracks. Once out of the woods, the stunning views of Snowdon, Moel Siabod, the Carneddau and the Glyderau open up as you drop down into Capel Curig.
Please note that parts of the Trail between Betws y Coed and Ty Hyll are techincally closed by Conwy Council following the February storms, and repair has been delayed due to Covid-19. However, a walker tells us that the only obstacle is a damaged stile just short of Ty Hyll.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format
Download the GPS route in KML format
11. Penmachno to Betws y Coed
Distance: 8.6km, 5.3mls Ascent: 150m, 500ft Time; 2 - 3hrs
After the last leg, this section is a doddle. Broad forestry tracks take the Trail down to Roman Bridge, after which the road is followed to Conwy Falls Café. A pleasant track passes the Fairy Glen before a minor road, followed by a short woodland walk, leads to bustling Betws y Coed.
Note 12 June 2018
Please note that the stile into the woods from the lane walking north from Penmachno is EXACTLY on the sharp right angled bend
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
10. Llan Ffestiniog to Penmachno
Distance: 21.3km, 13.2mls Ascent: 880m, 2850ft Time; 8 - 9hrs
This day is certainly the toughest of all, commencing with good paths through the hidden gem of Cwm Cynfal gorge, followed by a crossing of the wild, open and sometimes boggy moors of the Migneint. Good route finding is necessary here as it has not been possible to place as many way markers as we would like in the SSSI. A descent through quarry workings takes you to Cwm Penmachno before a final climb and subsequent descent through the forest to Penmachno.
Do not be tempted to follow the wall over the Migneint rather than following the Trail down into the valley. The Trail follows dry rights of way; the wall leads you into a morass of bog.
The maps and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the map as a JPG: Part one, Part two
Download the GPS route in KML format
3. Llanberis to Waunfawr
Distance: 6.1km, 3.8mls Ascent: 310m, 1000ft Time; 2 - 3hrs
The leg to Waunfawr leaves Llanberis through its narrow streets, following a lane high up above the village. This is also part of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way which continues along good forest tracks and lanes which take you to a footpath down into Waunfawr.
Note: Bullet point no 1 on page 40 of the earliest edition of the guidebook has an error. At the top, turn right then left to ascend..... This has been corrected in subsequent editions.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
Circular walks along the Trail
Llanberis to Waunfawr - https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjk1NjQ3OA==
The path is currently blocked at GR 558600 and we are trying to arrange for it to be reopened at some stage. In the meantime, follow https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjk4Mzc1Mw==
An overview of the section by Vicky Anne Jones (also includes Waunfawr to Rhyd Ddu)
9. Tanygrisiau to Llan Ffestiniog
Distance: 8.6km, 5.4mls Ascent: 250m, 850ft Time; 2.5 - 3.5hrs
The Tanygrisiau to Blaenau Ffestiniog section takes you to the centre of slate industry, where slate was exported worldwide. Recent developments include striking sculptures and slate features, showing the history and culture of the area. From the town, the Trail passes down the wide Cwm Bowydd before crossing over into the attractive gorge of Cwm Teigl. From here, it is a short field walk up into Llan Ffestiniog.
The maps and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
8. Croesor to Tanygrisiau
Distance: 7.4km, 4.6mls Ascent: 470m, 1550ft Time; 3 - 4hrs
This leg is probably the wildest and most strenuous yet. A good track climbs the side of the Croesor valley to Croesor quarry. There are way marks but careful navigation is also needed to reach the remote Rhosydd Quarry, from where a broad track drops down to Cwmorthin Lake and its abandoned settlement. From here, the road drops down to Tanygrisiau.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
7. Beddgelert to Croesor
Distance: 7.2km, 4.4mls Ascent: 400m, 1300ft Time; 2 - 3hrs
This section takes you from the bustle of Beddgelert to the calm of Croesor by way of a spectacular riverside path, a quiet country lane and a wild drovers' road across the open moors.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
6. Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert
Distance: 8.4km, 5.2mls Ascent: 110m, 350ft Time; 1.5 - 2.5hrs
This leg follows the recently established Lon Gwyrfai all the way. It is a pleasant and easy walk along way-marked paths and forest trails, with views of Snowdonia's highest mountains
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
5. Nantlle to Rhyd Ddu
Distance: 8.2km, 5.1mls Ascent: 260m, 850ft Time; 2 - 3hrs
The Nantlle Valley is an unfrequented place of beauty, with the bulk of Mynydd Mawr on the one side and the towering cliffs of the Nantlle Ridge on the other. This is an easy walk along the valley bottom before an ascent, with one very boggy area, to the forest and a descent into Rhyd Ddu with its pub and café.
Note: The route through the forestry has been altered. Follow the existing route out of the valley, meeting the forestry at the former location of the stile. Turn right until you get to a new gate. Turn left into the woods and continue until you meet the main path. Then turn right to join the original route
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
Circular routes along the Trail
Nantlle - Rhyd Ddu: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA4MTEyMg==
An overview of the section by Vicky Anne Jones (also includes Llanberis to Nantlle)
4. Waunfawr to Nantlle
Distance: 9.5km, 5.9mls Ascent: 270m, 900ft Time; 3 - 4hrs
For most of this leg, the Snowdonia Slate Trail follows the North Wales Pilgrims' Path. Leaving Waunfawr near the Welsh Highland Railway station, the route follows a country lane before branching off up the steep wooded hillside. Eventually, open moorland is reached with views of Mynydd Mawr to the left and the rugged Nantlle Ridge ahead. Soon, the extensive slate workings of the Nantlle Valley are reached and the route passes beneath towering slate tips and between cavernous quarries before emerging in the village of Nantlle.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in Acrobat JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
Circular route along the Trail
Waunfawr - Y Fron: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjk3NTE5Ng==
Y Fron- Nantlle: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA4MTEwNw==
An overview of the section by Vicky Anne Jones (also includes Llanberis to Waunfawr and Nantlle to Rhyd Ddu)
2. Bethesda to Llanberis
Distance: 11.6km, 7.2mls Ascent: 360m, 1200ft Time; 3 - 4hrs
The leg from Bethesda to Llanberis takes you through the heart of the slate industry. After following the Afon Ogwen for a short while, the Trail climbs out of the Ogwen Valley to Mynydd Llandegai by riverside paths and minor roads. After crossing the wild moor of Gwaun Gynfi, good paths lead to Parc Padarn, the National Slate Museum of Wales and Llanberis.
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
Circular walks along the Trail
Bethesda - Lodge Dinorwig https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MjkzNjIzNg==
Lodge Dinorwig - Llanberis https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjk0ODQ5Mg==
An overview of the section by Vicky Anne Jones
1. Bangor to Bethesda
Distance: 10.2km, 6.3mls Ascent: 325m, 1050ft Time; 3 - 4hrs
The Bangor to Bethesda leg of the Snowdonia Slate Trail is a wonderful introduction to Snowdonia and its slate heritage. Starting from the sea, it provides easy walking with interest throughout as the mountains are approached.
Note: Bullet point no 2 on page 32 of early editions of guidebook has an error. When you reach the A55, turn left, keeping the A55 on your RIGHT. This has been updated in subsequent editions
The map and route descriptions are supplied in JPG format.
Download the GPS route in KML format
Download the route description as a JPG
Circular walks along the Trail
Bangor - Halfway Bridgehttp://my.viewranger.com/track/details/MTM2ODcyNzc=
Bangor - Bethesda https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MjkzMzU0OQ==?fbclid=IwAR1IxeY8LvE9roJjIrKbcGvyMr8DnqJtk9iWRv_tjPOYMBcIMCz1_ydC8ks
An overview of the section by Vicky Ann Jones
Newyddion
Llwybr Llechi Eryri ar Countryfile
12 November 2019
Gamfa Conwy
28 January 2019
App ffôn symudol
13 December 2018
Adroddiad Mawrth 2018
03 April 2018
Adroddiad Tachwedd 2017
06 February 2018
Digwyddiad lansio - Launch event
03 October 2017
Ein Ariannwyr
- Cadw
- Cronfa CAE Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri
- Cronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri
- Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy
- Cyngor Tref Bethesda
- Cyngor Tref Ffestiniog
- First Hydro
- HF Holidays
- Horizon
- Magnox
- Sefydliad Cymunedol yng Nghymru
- The Foyle Foundation
- The Garfield Weston Foundation
- The Laspen Trust
- The Oakdale Trust
- Un rhoddwr preifat
Llwybr Llechi Eryri • Cefnogwyd Llwybr Llechi Eryri efo grant gan Gronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri.
Am chwaraewyr y Loteri Genedlaethol, rydym wedi llwyddo i greu'r llwybr cerdded pellter hir hwn.
