LOCAL WALKS

Our local area is full of fabulous scenery with a range of walking routes to suit everyone. Some of our favourites are in the Carneddau mountains, which run along the western side of the Conwy Valley and form the backdrop to our adventure parc. These beautiful peaks are home to herds of wild ponies and heather-strewn grassy slopes. 

We’ve put together a varied collection of superb walks in and around the Carneddau, all within a half hour drive of the parc. As always in a mountainous region, bear in mind the weather can change quickly and dramatically, and be sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear.

The Roman Road

This ancient Roman Road crossing the Carneddau Mountains is full of history, stunning scenery, and surprises. From wild horses to prehistoric standing stones and hidden Roman board games it’s a linear track that’s perfect for bikers, hikers, and trail runners.

From the small car park at Bwlch y Ddeufan, the old roman road heads north, winding its way through the remote but beautiful landscape, flanked either side by the peaks of Tal-y-Fan and Drum. As the road meanders to reach its highest point, views of the North Wales coast and Anglesey appear ahead. About two miles along the road, a crossroads provides pathways to the summit of Drum, to Aber or to Llanfairfechan. The choice is yours, but bear in mind that there are steeper and more difficult sections from this point on.

Starting point: Bwlch y Ddeufan Car Park

Grid reference: SH 720 715

Distance: Up to 8 miles (round trip)

Grade: Easy / good for families

Walk time: Allow 3hrs

 

Conwy Mountain

A stunning setting for a walk, Conwy Mountain (or Mynydd y Dref) can be reached either from the town of Conwy, or from Sychnant Pass between Conwy and Dwygyfylchi. The headlands of Conwy Mountain rise from the sea to the west of Conwy and during the summer months are a sea of purple thanks to the heather that covers the moorland.

Heading west out of the town on the Bangor Road, cross the railway bridge into Cadnant Park and follow Mountain Road until the footpath heads onto the heathland. There is a fairly significant climb from the town to the summit at 244 metres, but the views are well worth the effort. With 360-degree, unobstructed views of Anglesey, the Great Orme and the Conwy Valley it’s a superb vantage point to soak up the beauty of the area. Keep an eye out for the wild Carneddau Ponies which graze in the area.

Starting point: Conwy town centre or Sychnant Pass

Grid reference: SH 779 776 or SH 749 770

Distance: 4 miles

Grade: Easy / good for families

Walk time: Allow 3hrs

 

Llyn Geirionydd

Another Gwydir Forest lake, Llyn Geirionydd is a popular destination for walkers and lovers of water-based activities. Located in the hills above Llanrwst, the mountain scenery is breath taking and draws in the summer crowds for picnics and paddling. A large car park is located on the lake shore, which is the starting point for any walks.

The most popular walk from Llyn Geirionydd is the Geirionydd to Crafnant Trail, which takes in both lakes on a 5-mile circular route through the forest, high above the lakes. This route features some steeper and more difficult sections of hiking and isn’t particularly family friendly, however there are paved roads and pathways at lake level which are also enjoyable for everyone to explore.

Starting point: Llyn Geirionydd Car Park

Grid reference: SH 763 604

Distance: 5 miles

Grade: Moderate

Walk time: Allow 3hrs

 

Llyn Elsi

A small lake in the mountains above the Conwy Valley, Llyn Elsi is the perfect destination to escape the summer hive of activity in the village of Betws-y-Coed. The trailhead to Llyn Elsi starts in the village centre behind St. Mary’s Church and heads into a steep woodland.

The trail is well marked, but given the steep conditions and changes in ground surface, it can get slippery and muddy during wet weather. Once through the steep woodland section, the landscape opens up to the beautiful lake with a backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains. There is a circular route around the lake, which provides ever changing and epic views of the surrounding landscape.

Starting point: Betws y Coed village centre

Llyn Crafnant

In a beautiful, secluded setting on the edges of Gwydir Forest, Llyn Crafnant is a fantastic location for all the family. A large car park with accessible facilities is located near the lake, which is the starting point for several walking routes. This includes an accessible trail around the nearby woodland alongside the Afon Crafnant.

For those wanting to venture a little further, there is a 3.5-mile circular walk around the lake. The walk provides fantastic scenic views of the surrounding mountain peaks including Crimpiau, which provides an awesome backdrop from the north shore of Llyn Crafnant. The circular route follows a pathway through the forest before returning on the tarmac road on the east side of the lake.

Starting point: Llyn Crafnant Car Park

Grid reference: SH 756 618

Distance: 3.5 miles

Grade: Easy / good for families

Walk time: Allow 1 – 2 hours

 

Aber Falls

A spectacular waterfall, Aber Falls is a must see on a trip to North Wales. Located near the village of Abergwyngregyn between Conwy and Bangor on the A55, there are two car parks at the start of the trail. From the car parks, a well-maintained gravel pathway leads through the woodland and meadows following the Afon Rhaeadr Mawr, suitable for all the family.

The trail is approximately 1.5 miles each way and while mostly relatively flat, there are some small but steep sections. Along the walk, there are occasional glimpses of the falls in the distance, but getting closer, the roar of the water cascading 120 feet over the cliffside becomes apparent. Arriving at the waterfall, there are plenty of viewing points from either side of the river providing safe opportunities to get close up and feel the spray of the falls.

Starting point: Aber Falls Car Park

Grid reference: SH 664 719

Distance: 3 miles

Grade: Easy / good for families

Walk time: Allow 2hrs

 

Cadair Ifan Goch

For panoramic views of the Conwy Valley, cross the River Conwy to Maenan and head to Cadair Ifan Goch (The Giant’s Chair). Legend has it that a giant, Ifan Goch, would use this rocky outcrop as a seat to soak his feet in the River Conwy. The trail can be accessed from a turn off on the A470, and heading toward a National Trust Car Park on the edge of a woodland.

A relatively simple walk of half a mile or so through an ancient woodland leads to a set of steps built into the hillside, where a short ascent leads to the outcrop. Emerging from the woodland, an unobstructed view of the Conwy Valley appears, with the River Conwy snaking through the meadows below. You’ll even capture a glimpse of Adventure Parc Snowdonia across the river, with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau Mountains.

Starting point: National Trust Car Park – Cadair Ifan Goch

Grid reference: SH 794 665

Distance: 1.5 miles

Grade: Easy

Walk time: Allow 1.5 hours