Discover nature walk at Penrhyn Castle
Enjoy a circular walk around the lesser-known parts of the castle grounds. Take in the natural space and discover a diverse range of wildlife and nature that call this place home.
Near to
Penrhyn Castle and GardenStart point
Penrhyn Castle car park, grid ref: SH603717Trail information
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Penrhyn Castle car park, grid ref: SH603717
Stage 1
Leave the car park and head through a stand of mature and semi-mature oak trees. In spring you'll walk through a sea of flowers bursting through the grass.
Stage 2
Follow the grass path as it curves round a small mixed woodland known as the Lime Grove.
Stage 3
Cross over the mown walkway. Flanked by fine specimens of trees and shrubs, it's known as the Broadwalk.
Stage 4
Walk down the Heather Slope into The Dell. The Heather Slope faces south-west into the prevailing winds and several mature oak and beech trees have been uprooted here.
Fungi growing on a log at Penrhyn | © National Trust Images/Phil Neagle Stage 5
Cross the Old Drive which is the original entrance to the Castle. This would have made a grand entrance for visitors to the castle.
Stage 6
Follow the path to the Bog Garden – a wonderland of exotic water-loving plants like gunnera and reed mace. The path will lead you past a rustic wooden belvedere structure to a wooden boardwalk. Take the steps up to the Walled Garden. If you have a dog with you, bypass the Walled Garden by heading back to the Old Drive and turning left along the yew hedge. This joins up with the path out of the Walled Garden.
Stage 7
Wander around the garden paths until you are ready to leave. Go out through the door opposite the one you entered by.
Stage 8
Turn left on to the gravel path and go through the Rhododendron Walk. In spring and early summer the rhododendrons and azaleas are a mass of scent and colour.
Slow worms | © National Trust Images/A.Wright Stage 9
Carry on along the path to the brick stable then turn right up the slope towards the ruined chapel.
Stage 10
Follow the path to the left under some yew trees and between the stable block and the disabled parking area. At the corner of the castle, follow a wide grass path to the boundary fence and Fox Hollow.
Stage 11
The path follows the fence line through the Elysian Fields. The path takes you back to the car park where you started your walk.
End point
Penrhyn Castle car park, grid ref: SH603717
Trail map
Discover nature walk map at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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