Cwm Bychan and the Fishermans' Path

Snowdonia Classic Campers

Tour Snowdonia Mountains and Coast

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE IN A CLASSIC CAMPERVAN Cwm Bychan and the Fishermans’ Path

This circular walk starts at the National Trust Car Park near the pretty hamlet of Nantmor. The walk climbs up through Cwm Bychan before descending to Llyn Dinas and returning by following the Glaslyn river (the Fishermans' Path) through Beddgelert and along the spectacular Aberglaslyn gorge with the Glaslyn river raging below. Along the path through Cwm Bychan are the remains of old copper mines. Copper ore was extracted here and transported via a cable car system down the valley. Horses then took the ore by cart to Porthmadog where it was shipped south to Swansea to be refined into copper. At Beddgelert, take a detour into this pretty village for a welcome break maybe an ice cream or drink, upon leaving visit 'Gelert's Grave' where according to the story, Beddgelert took its name from Gelert, Prince Llywelyn's faithful hound.

Distance: Approx. 6 miles Time: Around 4-6 Hours Difficulty: Challenging Postcode for Sat Nav: SH597462 (approx.) Grid Ref: SH 597 462 Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 17: Snowdon and Conwy Valley

Start Point

The National Trust car park on the outskirts of the tiny hamlet of Nantmor just off the A4085 close to the Aberglasyn bridge.

Directions

1. From the car park, go through a gate near the toilet block and turn right and walk under the railway bridge, following the path through the wood. 2. Go through a gate and continue the gradual climb up the valley of Cwm Bychan. Take a pit-stop at a rocky outcrop and enjoy the views of Cnicht and the Moelwynion on your right and Traeth Bychan to your rear. 3. Continue along the path passing the remains of an aerial ropeway, which once brought copper ore down the valley to a processing plant near Nantmor. 4. About 100m after the terminal station of the aerial ropeway with its horizontal wheel the path forks, take the right hand path and continue up the valley. 5. At the head of the valley, climb over the stile and follow the footpath sign to your left. The view is spectacular, with Moel Siabod and Nant Gwynant in front of you and Snowdon to your left. 6. At the junction by the old copper mining site of Llwyndu follow the path to the right to Llyn Dinas. It's sign posted. After a while there is a steep descent with stunning views of Llyn Dinas below. 7. When you reach the lake, Llyn Dinas, follow the path to the left, go through the kissing gate and follow the track past the bridge, keeping the river on your right. 8. When you reach the tarmac road turn left, walking past Tŷ Hen on your right following the road towards the Sygun Copper Mine. 9. At the entrance to Sygun Copper Mine follow the public footpath sign to the right and continue along the tarmac road. 10. This quiet country lane eventually crosses a bridge to join the main A498 road. Just before the bridge over the Glaslyn river there is a kissing gate to your left. Go through the gate and follow the footpath towards Beddgelert. 11. Go through a gate and cross the road following the footpath straight ahead between a row of houses and the river. Continue along the footpath crossing the village green to the bridge. 12. Go over the footbridge and then take the path to the left, sign posted for Gelert's Grave on the other side. Follow the footpath along the bank of the River Glaslyn. Take a detour, and follow the signs to visit Gelert's Grave. 13. Follow the riverside footpath through a gate made of wood, with two fish carved into the woodwork.This is the beginning of the Fisherman’s path. 14. Cross the footbridge beside the railway bridge and go through two kissing gates that cross the railway line.Take care when crossing! 15. Follow the footpath along the River Glaslyn but be careful, as it can get extremely slippery in places. Take special care as you round Craig y Fwtres which is very narrow. 16. When the Aberglaslyn Bridge comes into view follow the footpath as it climbs left up the stone steps. 17. Follow the sign for Cwm Bychan car park - you have finished your walk so put the kettle on and enjoy a well deserved brew!

Please note. These directions are for guidance only, we can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather to turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.

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