Things to see and do at Hafod y Llan

Hafod y Llan stretches from the valley bottom at Nant Gwynant up the steep, dramatic slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The largest farm managed by the National Trust, part of it is designated as a National Nature Reserve. Whether exploring the farmland or the wider beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia), Hafod y Llan is a great base for walkers and nature lovers.

Hafod y Llan

Hafod y Llan is a historically important hill farm on the south flanks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Lliwedd, and Aran mountains.

There are cultural and archaeological signs at every bend in the Watkin Path that leads you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

The remains of impressive tramways and workers’ bunkhouses remind us of the Victorian slate quarries in Cwm Llan, whilst extensive copper mines dot the hillsides across the farm.

Walks from Hafod y Llan

From the campsite on the farm, you can walk up the Watkin Path, past the remnants of Cwm Llan's industrial past, through a National Nature Reserve and up to the peak of the highest summit in Wales and England. 

Walk into Bylchau Terfyn, a hanging bog valley, to admire carpets of cottongrass in June, or auburn deergrass in August.

Hike onto Lliwedd and not only will you walk through dark heather, but also the largest population of dwarf juniper in Wales, 90% of it in fact.

Any route from the farm offers great views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and can offer excellent walks all year round.

Welsh Black cow and calf amongst the cottongrass on Hafod Y Llan farm, Snowdonia, Wales — Welsh Black cows on Hafod Y Llan farm | © National Trust Images / Joe Cornish

Nature to see at Hafod y Llan

A large part of Hafod y Llan farm has been designated as a European Natura 2000 site and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). But, just as important is the fact that it is a living, breathing piece of Wales's rural upland heritage.

You might come across our traditional herd of Welsh Black cattle up on the mountain, or our famous Welsh mountain sheep, but another mammal you might also see at Hafod y Llan is the feral goat. These nimble animals can find their way onto even the steepest cliffs on the mountains.

From the rugged cliffs, look out for breeding choughs and peregrines, while in the woods you might catch a glimpse of the cuckoo or pied flycatchers who fill spring and summer air with their songs.

Home to special habitats

Hafod y Llan is the result of generations of sheep, goat, and cattle farming, and the habitats found there now reflect this.

Primroses and bluebells carpet the wooded oak and ash valleys in the springtime. The uplands of the farm host rare species such as clubmosses taking advantage of the grazed heaths, and roseroot, and starry saxifrage in the less accessible areas.