Programme of Walks
- Walk 1 Maesglase – Dinas Mawddwy [last year walk 7]
- Walk 2 Croesor, Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach “NEW”
- Walk 3 Dyffryn Ardudwy & Talybont Churches [last year walk 3]
- Walk 4 Llyn Cwm Bychan - Moel Ysgyfarnogod – Bryn Cader Faner “NEW”
- Walk 5 Friog, Blue Lake and Tyrrau Mawr
- Walk 6 Mystic Sword Stone Walk
- Walk 7 Dolgellau to Aberllefenni [last year walk 10]
- Walk 8 Barmouth to Abergynolwyn & Talyllyn Railway
- Walk 9 Trails in the “King’s Wood”
- Walk 10 To the summit of Cadair Idris and Llyn Cau [last year walk 1]
- Walk 11 The Vale of Ffestiniog [last year walk 16]
- Walk 12 Ravens Rock & Ruined Farm to Sandy Shore
- Walk 13 Diffwys – Crib y Rhiw via the Janet Haigh Path [last year walk 13]
- Walk 14 Tywyn, Happy Valley to Aberdovey “NEW”
- Walk 15 Llanelltyd to Foel Isbri [last year walk 8]
- Walk 16 Taicynhaeaf to Tyn-y-Groes & New Precipice Walk
- Walk 17 Morfa Harlech & Ynys [last year walk 12]
- Walk 18 Moel Hebog from Beddgelert “NEW”
- Walk 19 Arthog Falls, Creggennan Lakes & Abergwynant [last year walk 6]
- Walk 20 Penmaenpool, Dolgledr and Abergwynant. “NEW”
- Walk 21 Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr
- Walk 22 Tal-y-Bont to Llanbedr [last year walk 20]
- Walk 23 Precipice Walk and Llanfachreth [last year walk 22]
- Walk 24 Ascent of Aran Fawddwy “NEW”
- Walk 25 Caegwian Woodlands [last year walk 3]
Times and distances are for guidance only. The organizers reserve the right to change routes as circumstances demand.
Walk 1 Maesglase – Dinas Mawddwy [last year walk 7]
Grade A
9 miles
Max height: 2087 ft.
5 hrs
Steep ascent from Bwlch Oerddrws over Cribin Fawr and Craig Portas to traverse the Maesglase Ridge with exceptional views of the surrounding area, and at one point, overlooking the scene of the ‘Battle of Camlan’. This strategic spot was where King Arthur was mortally wounded in 537. Descend via Foel Dinas and through the forestry to Dinas Mawddwy. Local bus back to Bwlch Oerddrws.
Start point for this walk is the Car Park at Bwlch Oerddrws, Grid Ref: SH802 17005 on the A470. All walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Bwlch Oerddrws.
Walk 2 Croesor, Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach “NEW”
Grade A
7 miles
Max height 2461 ft.
6 hrs.
This walk starts in the car park at Croesor and climbs to the summit of Moelwyn Mawr following the old miners path to the top of the disused tram track. From here, the path climbs steeply up a grassy bank to Moelwyn Mawr summit. Pause a waile to savour magnificent views of Snowdonia. Continue along Craigysgain ridge to Bwlch Stwlan and on to Moelwyn Bach. Return down the west ridge to meat the bridleway from Bwlch Stwlan and follow the track through woods back to Croesor.
Start point for this walk is the Car Park at Croesor, (Grid Ref: 632-448 OS Explorer OL18) All walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Croesor.
CANCELLED - Walk 3 Dyffryn Ardudwy & Talybont Churches [last year walk 3] - CANCELLED
Grade B+
9.5 miles
Max Height: 2267 ft.
6 hrs
Ascend behind Barmouth past the ruined farm of Gell Fechan and on the Bwlch y Llan, follow to Ffridd Fechan above Llanaber. Ascend to follow the disused Manganese Workings visiting ancient Burial Chambers to Bwlch y Rhwgyr. Descend to cross Pont Fadog and along past a smaller chamber to Cors y Gedol & down to visit Llanddwywe and Dyffryn Churches, with a chance to view the popular ‘Art in the Aisles’ Craft Exhibitions which is held in five different locations, finishing with Tea at the ‘Stables’ before returning by train to Barmouth.
This walk involves public transport back from Dyffryn Ardudwy.
Walk 4 Llyn Cwm Bychan - Moel Ysgyfarnogod – Bryn Cader Faner “NEW”
Grade A
10 miles
Max height: 2025 ft.
6 hrs
The walk commences at the car park beyond Llyn Cwm Bychan and follows the path to the summit of Clip (550m) and on to the top of Moel Ysgyfarnogod (623m) traversing some of the wildest terrain in the Rhinogs. Continuing down past Llyn Dywarchen to Bryn Cader Faner, site of a stone circle and burial mound isolated on a rocky eminence. This is one of the wonders of prehistoric Wales and one of the most beautiful Bronze Age sites in Britain. The route returns on pre-historic tracks to Nant Stiecyn waterfalls, Cwm Mawr and back to Llyn Cym Bychan.
Start point for this walk is the car park at Llyn Cym Bychan (Grid ref. 648-315 OS Explorer OL18). but all walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Llyn Cym Bychan.
Walk 5 Friog, Blue Lake and Tyrrau Mawr
Grade B+
13.5 miles
Max height: 2168ft.
7.5 hours
Staring in Barmouth, we cross the estuary, tramp along the embankment and along Fairbourne beach to Friog. Starting to climb, we visit Blue Lake and ascend up over the drover’s road to the ridge overlooking Llyn Cyri, another gem. We follow the ridge to Tyrrau Mawr then descend steeply, visiting Creggennen Lakes and Arthog Falls before returning over the viaduct to Barmouth.
Walk 6 Mystic Sword Stone Walk
Grade C+
8-9 miles
Max height: 1106 ft
6.5 hours
Stiff climb out of Barmouth up to Bwlch y Llan then descend the gently sloping path passing Cerrig Arthur (stone circle) to Cerrig Y Cledd, the mysterious sword stone. See the imprint of a sword on each half of this large slab of stone and hear the local legend of how this came to be in the dark distant past. Return via Glandwr and Panorama to Barmouth.
Walk 7 Dolgellau to Aberllefenni [last year walk 10]
Grade A
9.5 miles
Max height: 1800 ft.
6.5 hrs
Leave Dolgellau via country lanes and footpaths, up through woodland to Bwlch Coch. Cross the eastern end of the Cadair range to Cefn y Clawdd. Climb steeply up to Mynydd Ceiswyn and follow the path through forestry down to Aberllefenni. Follow the Afon (river) Dulas to Corris to catch the return bus to Dolgellau.
This walks involves public transport to Dolgellau and return from Corris at your own cost.
Walk 8 Barmouth to Abergynolwyn & Talyllyn Railway
Grade B
11 miles
Max height: 1440 ft.
6 hrs
A moderate walk across the mountains from Barmouth to Abergynolwyn. Leave Barmouth via the railway viaduct and cross the Mawddach estuary climbing quickly into the hills above Arthog. The route continues over the ridge of the Cader range with beautiful views of Bird Rock and the Dysynni valley before dropping down into the village of Abergynolwyn. Time for lunch at the village inn before catching the afternoon Talyllyn railway back to Tywyn (one of Wales’ “Great Little Trains”) and the Cambrian Coast train back from Tywyn to Barmouth
This walk involves using the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway and Cambrian Coast Railway at your own cost.
Walk 9 Trails and Waterfalls in the “King’s Forest”
Grade B
8 miles
Max height: 1188 ft.
5 hours
The walk starts from the new Forestry visitor centre, across the main A470 to Maesgwm and through forestry to Gelli Goch. Having recrossed the main road the path climbs up to follow Sarn Helen (the old Roman road that leads to the Roman fort and amphitheatre at Tomen-y-mur) and across the Afon Gain at Pont y Llyn Du. We continue through the woodlands to the disused gold mines at Gwynfrnydd and on past the waterfalls at Rhaeadr Mawddach and Pistyll Cain to return to the visitor centre.
The walk involves travel by car from Barmouth to Coed y Brenin visitor centre and return at your own cost.
Walk 9 is in association with the Meirioneth Ramblers.
Walk 10 To the summit of Cadair Idris and Llyn Cau [last year walk 1]
Grade A
11 miles
Max height: 2913 ft.
7.5 hours
A strenuous climb starting from Minffordd, near Tal-y-lyn Lake, climbing up the south face of Cader Idris to the glacial lake of Llyn Cau and on to the summit of Mynydd Pencoed (2617 ft.) before finally reaching the summit of Cadair Idris (2,928 ft.). The descent is down via the ridge on the north-east face of the mountain and finishing in Dolgellau.
This walk involves public transport to Minffordd and returning from Dolgellau at your own cost.
Walk 11 The Vale of Ffestiniog [last year walk 16]
Grade B
9 miles
Max height: 715 ft.
6 hrs
The route follows the dyke along the River Dwyryd and up through the woodland
to Dduallt Halt on the Ffestiniog Railway. We continue up to the Tan-y-Grisiau
reservoir, formed for the Ffestiniog Pump Storage Generating Station, with
wonderful views of the Vale of Ffestiniog and the Rhinogs.
Just beyond the power station is our lunch stop with a convenient café
nearby.
A short walk along the main road brings us to a bridge over the Afon Goedol
and we follow its tumbling course through wild woodland and water falls back
to Dduallt and down to the Oakley Arms Hotel where we catch the bus back to
Barmouth.
This walks involves public transport to and from Maentwrog at your own cost.
Walk 12 Ravens Rock & Ruined Farm to Sandy Shore
Grade C
5 miles
Max height: 981 ft.
3 hrs
Climb above the town passing the ruins of Gell Fechan farm and Raven’s Rock to the trackway to Llanaber. Enjoy beautiful views of the coastline as far as Bardsey Island and the Llyn Peninsula as you descend to the shore passing the ancient hill fort at Ffrydd Fechan. Return back along the seashore to the town.
Walk 13 Diffwys to Crib y Rhiw via the Janet Haigh Path [last year walk 13]
Grade A
11.5 miles
Max height: 2651 ft.
6.5 hrs
From Cors y Gedol past Burial Chamber to Llety Loegr , a Drovers Halt. Ascend the valley of the Afon Ysgethin towards Pont Scethin. Ascend path to Llawlech Ridge passing the memorial stone to Janet Haigh. Ascend grassy ridge to the summit for Diffwys with superb views in all directions. Steep descent to Crib y Rhiw and traverse valley head to Moel y Blithcwm and gradual descent back to Cors y Gedol
Start point for this walk is the Car Park at Cors y Gedol, Grid Ref: SH606 230 but all walkers should first meet at the Barmouth TIC.
Walk 14 Tywyn, Happy Valley to Aberdyfi “NEW”
Grade B
12 miles
Max height: 1300 ft.
6.5 hours
The route leaves Tywyn alongside the track of the Talyllyn Railway to Rhyd-y-onen, then follows Nant Braich-y-rhiw to Pant-yr-on and above Happy Valley. On to Llyn Barlog (known as the “Bearded Lake”). The path descends to Dyffryngwyn before climbing once again past Bwlchgwyn and finally, down into the centre of Aberdyfi. Steep in places but spectacular views on route.
This walk involves travel by train from Barmouth to Tywyn and return from Aberdovey at your own cost.
Walk 15 Llanelltyd to Foel Isbri [last year walk 8]
Grade B
5 miles
Max height: 1060 ft.
4.5 hrs
A delightful moderate walk into Welsh Mythology’ where the God Math
created Blodeuwedd - The Lady of Flowers – by taking the blossom of
the oak, the broom and the meadowsweet.
Starting in Llanelltyd, the walk rises through woodlands to Llyn-Tan-Y-Craig
reservoir and on to the open mountain studded with old Gold Mine workings
to the summit of Foel Isbri. (Home of the Giant Isbri and attendant Fairies
– the hill was previously known as the ‘Hill of Spirits’)
. You will experience magnificent views along the Mawddach Estuary and return
along the ‘New Precipice Walk to Llyn-Tan-Y-Craig and back to Llanelltyd.
This walk involves public transport to and from Llanelltyd at your own cost.
Walk 16 Taicynhaeaf to Tyn-y-Groes & New Precipice Walk
Graded A
16 miles
Max height: 1276 ft.
8 hrs
Start at the junction of the main Barmouth to Dolgellau road at Taicynhaeaf and climb sharply up the hill to Foel Ispri and follow the forestry paths to the Tyn-y-Groes valley with a lunch stop at the old Tyn-y-Groes Inn. The return route follows a steep winding path and farm track through parts of the Coed y Brenin Forest to Hafod-y-Fedw with magnificent views across the Mawddach valley to Cadair. Pass the Llyn Tan-y-Graig reservoir and New Precipice Walk before returning to the starting point. Breath-taking views on route.
This walks involves public transport to and return from Taicynhaeaf at your own cost.
Walk 17 Morfa Harlech & Ynys [last year walk 12]
Grade C
7 miles
Max height: 131 ft.
3.5 hrs
From Harlech railway station, walk over fields and through woodlands to Glanymorfa Farm. Follow the path along the shoreline of the Afon Dwyryd Estuary with magnificent views to Snowdon and the Italiante village of Portmeirion. The path passes through the hamlet of Ynys and returns past Ty Cerrig Farm and back to Harlech station.
This walks involves public transport to and return from Harlech at your own cost.
Walk 18 Moel Hebog from Beddgelert “NEW”
Grade A/B
7 miles
Max height: 2562 ft.
5 hrs
The walk commences from the car park in Beddgelert (grid ref: 586-482 OS Explorer OL17) and ascends to the summit of Moel Hebog. The path rises gently up past the ruins of the Welsh highland Railway, old farm buildings, across marshy ground and up to the base of the Moel Hebog ridge. A strenuous climb up a rocky path takes you to the summit with magmnificent views all round. The return route passes below Moel yr Ogof and Owain Glyndwr (cave) , down through forestry to the river and back into Beddgelert.
Start point for this walk is the Car Park in Beddgelert, Grid Ref: 586-482. All walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Beddgelert.
CANCELLED - Walk 19 Arthog Falls, Creggennan Lakes & Abergwynant [last year walk 6] - CANCELLED
Grade B
14 miles
Max height: 827 ft.
7.5 hrs
Cross Barmouth viaduct enjoying magnificent views of the Mawddach Estuary, climb alongside woodland waterfalls and a Stone Circle on route to Cregennan Lakes. Enjoy the peace and quiet with the fishermen before heading along The Drovers road on the side of the lake to descend to Abergwynant to join the Mawddach trail for the route back to Barmouth.
Walk 20 Penmaenuchaf, Dolgedr and Abergwynant “NEW”
Grade B
8.5 miles
Max height: 338 ft.
4 hours
Starting at the toll bridge at Penmaenpool, the route crosses this old timber bridge and climbs through woodland now preserved as a habitat for bird life and flora to Dolgedr and Cae’n-y-coed. The path continues through more woodland, along the Afon Gwynant to the Kings Youth hostel. At this point we cross the river and follow it back down recently developed Abergwynant Woodlands trails and return to Penmaenpool
This walk involves travel by bus from Barmouth to Penmaenpool and return.
Walk 21 Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr
Graded A+ .
9 miles
Max height: 2477 ft.
5.5 hrs
The most spectacular peaks of the Rhinogydd Mountains.
The walk starts at Cwm Nantcol - Grid Reference No. 633 259 and climbs steadily
to Bwlch Drws Ardudwy (the doorway to Ardudwy). A steep climb to the summit
of Rhinog Fach and after you've got your breath back a glorious 180o view
of all the mountain ranges and Cardigan Bay. Again a loss of height to Llyn
Hywel before your last climb to the highest peak of the Rhinogydd –
Y Llethr. Down hill all the way back to Cwm Nantcol. A good level of fitness
is required.
The starting point for this walk is the parking area at Cil-Cychwy in Cwm Nantcol (grid ref 633-259 OS Explorer OL18). but all walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Cwm Nantcol.
Walk 22 Tal-y-Bont to Llanbedr [last year walk 20]
Grade B
9 miles
Max height: 1047 ft.
5 hrs
Climb up the wooded valley of the Ysgethin river to overlook the sea from the prehistoric burial chamber at Cors y Gedol. Pass the remains of stone circles and a holy well before visiting Capel Salem, where a notorious picture was painted. See more ancient stones at Llanbedr, including one carved with a spiral.
This walks involves public transport outward to Talybont and returning from Llanbedr at your own cost.
CANCELLED - Walk 23 Precipice Walk and Llanfachreth [last year walk 22] - CANCELLED
Grade B
5 miles
Max height: 853 ft.
4 hrs
Start at Precipice Car Park, walk past Llyn Cynwch to Precipice Walk, following the footpath to Glasdir Mine, pause for lunch and to explore mine area. Walk through arboretum and forest garden to Llanfechreth, explore the church and return to Car Park via King Georges Arch.
The starting point for this walk is the car park at Precipice Walk, but all walkers should first meet at Barmouth T.I.C.
Walk 24 Ascent of Aran Fawddwy “NEW”
Grade A
8 miles
Max height: 2969 ft.
6/7 hours
From Cwm Cywarch the path ascends an incline above Hengwm Stream to a col at Waen Gogh. A little respite before climbing once again to Drysgol and Drws Bach and on to the summit. Admire the views, in particular the one of Craiglyn Dyfi 100ft below the trig point. Return across boardwalk to the ravine which then descends back to the valley floor.
Start point for this walk is the Cwm Cywarch,(Grid Ref: 854-183). All walkers should meet at the Barmouth TIC before proceeding to Cwm Cywarch.
Walk 25 Caegwian Woodlands [last year walk 3]
Grade B/C
5 miles
Max height: 600 ft.
3.5 hrs
Starting at Caerdeon, the route explores the Caegwian woodlands with excellent vistas over the Mawddach estuary to the “Giants Head” and Cadair Idris before returning to Barmouth via Panorama walk and view point.
This walk involves public transport to Caerdeon at your own cost
Times and distances are for guidance only. The organisers reserve the right to change routes as circumstances demand.
Where public transport is onvolved on circular walks, private cars may be used by arrangement with the walk leader.
Barmouth Publicity Association would like to thank all those individuals and organsiations for their valuable time and assistance in making this event so successful and the production of this brochure possible.