Get active in and around Craflwyn and Beddgelert

Walking

You can take your pick from a number of walks and trails around the area. From gentle, riverbank strolls through to the full ascent of Snowdon, there’s a path for all abilities.

In any season, the Aberglaslyn Gorge is a colourful place to be and in late autumn you may even see spawning salmon working their way up river.

For those who want a sense of adventure try the Watkin Path that takes you to the summit of Snowdon. But beware, this isn't for the faint hearted. Here are just a few of our favourite walks.

Kayaking

At a tough Grade 5, the Aberglaslyn Gorge is one for the experts and draws experienced paddlers when the levels are right. Novices can try their hand on the flat water of Llyn Gwynant and progress to the gentle river waters between the lake and Llyn Dinas. From there to Beddgelert, the river is graded 2 and 3.

There is an access arrangement in place between landowners, the National Trust and the angling association to protect sensitive salmon spawning beds from being disturbed. Please refrain from kayaking the Aberglaslyn gorge between March and October.

Access to the Afon Glaslyn is only allowed when the water level is high enough. Gauges have been placed along the river at various points  to indicate if water levels are suitable for paddling.

Mountain biking and cycling

While Beddgelert Forest has some trails to suit beginners, most mountain bike enthusiasts head to Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau which attracts two-wheeled thrill-seekers from across the UK.

For road riders there are lung-busting climbs that lead to fabulous views. The road climb from Beddgelert to Pen-y-Pass is something any cyclist would be proud of.

Please be aware that cycling on Snowdon’s bridleways is restricted. To avoid accidents involving cyclists and walkers on the very busy paths during the visitor season, there is a voluntary agreement between The Snowdonia National Park Authority, Gwynedd County Council, CTC, Welsh Cycling Union and the International Mountain Bicycling Association in place. It has been agreed that between the hours of 10am and 5pm from 1 May to 30 September cyclists should not cycle on Snowdon.

Bike hire

Beddgelert Bikes, in Beddgelert Forest, is open all year for the hire of mountain bikes, tandems, child seats and trailer bikes.

Rock climbing

One of Wales’s most unusual climbs, Lockwood’s Chimney can be found at Clogwyn y Wenallt above Llyn Gwynant. The climb, which includes an upward scramble through a tunnel in the mountain, was named after Arthur Lockwood, former proprietor of the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel who made its first ascent.

It was traditional to climb this mountain route on midsummer’s eve. Lockwood’s Chimney is only for the experienced and brave who are rewarded with stunning mountain views at the top.

Elsewhere, there are small mountain crags, again for those with plenty of experience of outdoor climbing.