1. Crimea Pass/Bwlch Y Gorddinan

The Crimea pass is at the head of the valley , and from there you get great views looking down over the slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog in one direction , and looking out over the Lledr valley in the other direction with the bulk of Moel Shabod looming. Two of the many walks from the top of the Crimea pass : the first takes you up Moel Farlwyd & Moel Penamnen, round the Llynnau Barlwyd reservois & back past the remains of a bonfire made up of ex US army boots, burnt at the end of WW2, the metal remnants are still visable.

The second runs along an old tramway through the Lledr valley , and runs down past the old roman bridge and ends in the pretty village of Dolwyddelan which has an old ruined Welsh castle which is well worth a visit.

2. Llechwedd Slate Caverns

As you head down from the Crimea pass you come to the world famous Llechwedd Slate Caverns which boasts 2 underground tours - the deep mine and miner's tramway tours, and Pentre Llechwedd which is their victorian village, where you can buy sweets in the quaint victorian sweet shop , and relax and enjoy a pint in the cozy miner's arms. http://www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk/

Within the Llechwedd complex you will find an RSPB viewing point to watch choughs on their nests with young via a video link. http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/slatecaverns/index.asp

3. Antur Stiniog bike trails coming soon

Llechwedd Project – aimed primarily at the “down-hill” mountain biking sector, plans are for an extensive set of high quality routes which could be used for both recreation and international competition, along with an opportunity for conversion of the mansion to an on-site centre of excellence or academy for the sport. As I understand it, plans and funding are in place and construction due to start 2010.

See the Antur ‘Stiniog web site for more information:
http://www.anturstiniog.com/english/index.html

See the 2008-09 plan for full details of project phases with maps of the planned routes:
http://www.anturstiniog.com/downloads/1/Antur-Stiniog-Development-Plan-2008-09.pdf

4. Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau is an old slate mining town developed in the mid nineteenth century.The town is the terminus for the Ffestiniog Railway and is the southern most station on the Conwy valley line which follows a scenic route to Llandudno. There are numerous shops and eating places including Bistro Moelwyn and also a swimming pool and park. There is a lively community life in the town, with many events being held through the year including the Moelwyn 3-Peaks challenge for hill runners.

There are plenty of walks from the area many of which take in the old quarry workings , and the Manod mountains. The area also has some of the best rock climbing in Snowdonia. (see next section)

Although the town is currently not part of the Snowdonia National Park , there are discussions going on about now including it , as it is seen as an up and coming area , with lots of investment being put into the area , including the Antur Stiniog bike trails and the whole town is benefitting from a scheme of regeneration.

5. Tanygrisau

As you carry on down the valley from Blaenau off to your right is the village of Tanygrisau, where there is a hydro electric power station and the Tanygrisau reservoir, from here you can walk up to the upper lake - Llyn Stwylan where there is an upper dam with stunning views of the area.

There is an easy walk around the reservoir (where family bike trails are also part of the Antur Stiniog plan) or there are steeper walks up into the Moelwyn mountains and a very interesting walk up into the hidden valley of Cwmorthin (see next section). There are also plenty of climbs in the Moelwyn area http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=862

6. Cwmorthin

The hidden valley of Cwmorthin is the site of an abandoned community, and hides a lake where water lillies bloom in the summer and give fabulous views of the mountains. There are extensive remains of quarry workings , terraced cottages , even an old chapel and school. The valley really gives you an insight into the life of a quarryman and his family.

Also a good area for climbers http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=810

for pictures and the walk please follow the link http://snowdonian.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/walkers-guide-cwmorthin/

7. Parc Cymerau-Isaf

There are many walks from here, but we reccomend following the circular nature trail walk , with a slight diversion over the bridge to the Cymerau waterfall. This walk can also be linked up with the Rhyd-Y-Sarn walk below.

8. Rhyd-Y-Sarn

From the small village of Rhyd-Y-Sarn, there is a walk to magical wooded glen, where you cross the bridge and climb up the hillside through woods to the pretty little halt of Dduallt on the Ffestiniog Railway. There is a viewpoint above the station with 360 degree views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. From the station you can walk North to the reservois at Tanygrisau (refreshments at the Lakeside Diner , at the North end of the lake) or you can walk in the opposite direction along the ridge through old oak woodland to Llyn Mair (refreshments at Tan Y Bwlch station , or at the bottom of the hill at the Oakley Arms pub).

9. Llan Ffestiniog

The village of Llan ffestiniog is on the hillside , and behind their old church there is a viewing point with magnificent views down the valley. The locals have recently banded together to re-open the old Pengwern Arms as a community pub, so drop in and show your support if you're passing.

From the village there is a walk down to the stunning Cynfal Waterfall (this walk can also be accessed from Llechrwd campsite)