Nant Gwynant autumn walk
Step out this autumn and explore the lower slopes of Snowdon and Nant Gwynant valley, where you'll discover a landscape steeped in history and rich colours.
Walk through wooded glades in a tranquil valley
Pass under the orange canopy of oak woodlands, keeping an eye out for interesting fungi along the way. Ascend the famous Watkin Path out into the open fields of fading green dotted with the rust of bracken die-back at Cwm Llan. Pass the intriguing ruins of Cwm Llan House and head towards Craflwyn, watching out for feral goats as they start to descend the hills and seek shelter in the wooded glades.
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.
Hafod y 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 six routes up Snowdon. It attracts 50,000 walkers each year.
2
Once you leave the woodland follow the gravel path until you reach a way-marker, which directs you south-west along a path towards Bylchau Terfyn.
3
Continue along the gravel path until you reach a way-marker which directs you south-west along a path towards Bylchau Terfyn.
4
Follow the waymarked route through this quiet valley. The walk takes you over another wall within ¾ mile (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 previous 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 river taking care over the stepping stones until you reach another stile.
Feral goats
As you descend watch out for feral goats, they tend to seek shelter in the wooded glades on the lower slopes in late autumn.
6
Once over the stile follow the waymarked route which leads you down to Craflwyn Hall and the end of the walk.
End:
Craflwyn Hall, grid ref: SH628507
