Hafod y Llan walk, Craflwyn
It also takes in the impressive tumbling Cwm Llan waterfall, and allows you to see the Welsh Black Cattle that are creating more diverse vegetation on the slopes of Bylchau Terfyn.
Map
Start:
Bethania car park, Watkin Path, grid ref: SH627506
1
From the Bethania car park (just off the A498) join the Watkin Path. Head up through the oak woodland towards Cwm Llan.
Cwm Llan
The Watkin Path rises up to Cwm Llan, with Clogwyn Brith to the left. The path was created by Sir Edward Watkin in 1892 and is one of seven routes up to Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon. It attracts over 70,000 walkers each year.
2
Once out of the oak woodland, stick to the gravel path upwards, with stunning views out to a waterfall on your right. There will be a path on the left way-marked for Craflwyn, which directs you south-west towards Bylchau Terfyn. Please note if you reach a gate on the gravel path you've gone too far up.
3
Continue along the path until you reach a wall. Climb over the stile which brings you into Bylchau Terfyn.
Welsh Black cattle on Bylchau Terfyn
Welsh Black cattle graze these slopes of Bylchau Terfyn. Cattle graze less selectively than sheep and keep the aggressive grasses such as purple moor grass and matgrass under control. This in turn helps to increase biodiversity on the land.
4
Follow the way-marked route through this quiet valley. The walk takes you over another wall within 0.75 miles (1.2km). Once over this wall, head through the heather to the highest point of the walk.
Cwm Llan House
Cwm Llan House is one of many ruined buildings in this valley which we are doing our utmost to consolidate. These structures give a glimpse into the past land use and farming methods.
5
As you walk downhill you emerge on an old cart track. Continue along the track until you reach a stile. Once over the stile turn immediately to the right towards the river. Cross the bridge over the river and continue until you reach another stile.
6
Once over the stile follow the waymarked route which leads you down to Craflwyn Hall and the end of the walk.
Dinas Emrys
As an optional route you could follow the yellow crown waymarkers up to the home of the Welsh dragon. In the fifth century Celtic King Vortigern chose Dinas Emrys as the site for his castle, but every night the mason’s tools vanished and their walls collapsed. Vortigern seeked help from Merlin who believed that two dragons lay sleeping under the mountain. They dug into the mountain and discovered an underground lake. Once drained, the red and white dragons awoke and began to fight. Eventually the white dragon fled and the red dragon returned quietly to his lair. Vortigern’s castle was finally built and named Dinas Emrys in honour of Myrddin Emrys, and the red dragon has been celebrated ever since.
End:
Craflwyn Hall, grid ref: SH602492
