Mountains to the Sea
The beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog offers a wide range of scenery , wildlife and activities in a fairly compact area.
The valley runs from the top of the Crimea pass bounded by the impressive Manod and Moelwyn mountains. Many tributaries feed down from these mountains through stunning wooded gorges and waterfalls to converge in the river Dwyryd. The river then meanders through lush green meadows with steep wooded slopes dropping to the valley floor on either side. The valley gradually widens into a large sandy estuary perfect for bird watching, and eventually reaches the lovely sandy beaches of Tremadog Bay at Harlech, Portmeirion and Borth-Y-Gest and the picturesque harbour at Porthmadog. The famous Ffestiniog Railway runs from the old slate town at Blaenau Ffestinog, just below the Crimea pass, down to the harbour at Porthmadog taking in much of this breathtaking scenary on the way.
The Upper Valley :
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/
Or for the more adventurous of you there is Zip World Titan, which is the largest zip zone in the world, with over 8km of zip line http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/titan
Bounce Below which is 3 massive trampolines in an underground cavern which are connected by a set of slides
http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/bounce-below
And the brand new Zip world caverns, http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/caverns which is an underground adventure made up of zip lines, rope bridges, via ferrata and tunnels.
Within the Llechwedd complex you will also 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
Or for the more adventurous of you there is Zip World Titan, which is the largest zip zone in the world, with over 8km of zip line http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/titan
Bounce Below which is 3 massive trampolines in an underground cavern which are connected by a set of slides
http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/bounce-below
And the brand new Zip world caverns, http://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/caverns which is an underground adventure made up of zip lines, rope bridges, via ferrata and tunnels.
Within the Llechwedd complex you will also 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
Llechwedd Project Downhill trails at Llechwedd http://www.anturstiniog.com/ There are two black graded downhill runs and two red graded trails to try, with a brand new blue grade trail for the novice DH rider, there is also a great cafe to have a bite to eat in after expending all that energy. There's even a minibus uplift service (see the website for booking), and they will be adding a family trail round Tanygrisiau. Antur Stiniog are also responsible for the new family bike trail that has opened up around Lynn Trawsfynnyd, and they also hire canoes and kayaks on the lake.
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. Blanae is also home to Cell B , which is an amazing small cinema, music and arts venue, restaurant/ cafe and back packers accommodation, have a look at their website to see whats on www.cellb.org
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.
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 lower 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 areahttp://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/
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 reservoirs 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 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)
From the village there is a walk down to the stunning Cynfal Waterfall (this walk can also be accessed from Llechrwd campsite)
The Lower Valley:
10. Llechrwd Campsite
The campsite is where the valley begins to flatten out, which makes it in a good central position for accessing everything we have mentioned in this section, and for accessing other tourist attractions in the area which we will talk about in a new section. The Manod mountains can be seen from most of the campsite , and from the higher field you can see the Moelwyn mountains peeking over the oak covered hillside on the other side of the valley.
The walk to the Cynfal waterfall , mentioned in the Llan Ffestiniog part, can also be accessed from our campsite , by leaving the site at the end of the third field , walking up through a small bit of woodland and then along a quiet lane until you pick up one of the many footpaths that lead down through Ceunant Cynfal down to the waterfall and back down along a gorge, you then come out at the bridge on the main road, with a short walk back along the road to where you started.
The bus will stop outside Llechrwd on request, check out the bus timetable here https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx we are on the 1B route, located between the stops at Llan Ffestinniog and TAN Y BWLCH /Oaleley Arms .
The walk to the Cynfal waterfall , mentioned in the Llan Ffestiniog part, can also be accessed from our campsite , by leaving the site at the end of the third field , walking up through a small bit of woodland and then along a quiet lane until you pick up one of the many footpaths that lead down through Ceunant Cynfal down to the waterfall and back down along a gorge, you then come out at the bridge on the main road, with a short walk back along the road to where you started.
The bus will stop outside Llechrwd on request, check out the bus timetable here https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx we are on the 1B route, located between the stops at Llan Ffestinniog and TAN Y BWLCH /Oaleley Arms .
11. Maentwrog
At this quaint village you can find the old church of St.Twrog named after an eminent British saint, who lived at the close of the fifth and beginning of the sixth centuries. The church, with its battlemented tower was rebuilt in 1814 but occupies the site of a previous ancient structure. There is also a story of a Giant named Twrog associated with the village.
There is also one of the oldest coaching inns in Wales in the village - The Grapes , which you can walk to from the campsite (about a mile away) http://www.grapes-hotel.co.uk/
Along the road a little way (towards Harlech) you can park in a layby and walk round the nature trail at Coed Felinrhyd which goes up a wooded ravine and comes back in a big loop.
There is also one of the oldest coaching inns in Wales in the village - The Grapes , which you can walk to from the campsite (about a mile away) http://www.grapes-hotel.co.uk/
Along the road a little way (towards Harlech) you can park in a layby and walk round the nature trail at Coed Felinrhyd which goes up a wooded ravine and comes back in a big loop.
12. Tan Y Bwlch
On the opposite side of the valley on the main road to Porthmadog you will come across the Oakeley Arms hotel http://www.oakeleyarms.co.uk/ where you can get a drink or a meal. At the Oakeley arms you can turn up the B4410 which will lead you up to the many splendid walks through the old Tan Y Bwlch estate , which includes extensive forests , several lakes , and you can meet up with the walk mentioned earlier fron Rhyd-Y-Sarn. The Ffestiniog railway loops through parts of the woodland , and there are several small halts and a station at Tan Y Bwlch where there is a cafe.
http://snowdonian.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/walkers-guide-tan-y-bwlch/The house and gardens of Plas Tan Y Bwlch are accessed off the main Porthmadog road. The beautiful historical gardens have stunning views of the valley below, and is one of the first gardens in Wales to be managed in a wildlife friendly manner on such a wide scale. The house is now owned by the Snowdonia National park and is used as a study centre. The conservatory on the terrace is open to the public and you can watch a video about the history of the Plas and the families who lived there, and the history of the slate industry, the main source of their wealth. It may be possible to visit some of the rooms in the Plas depending on the activities of the day. http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/home/studycentre/gardens.htm
Y Garnedd circular walk
If you go up the B4410 by the Oakeley Arms and park in the carpark on the right just past the turn off to the railway station, there is a lovely circular walk that comes out on the ridge above Llechrwd campsite.
Please check out our facebook page for more photos and details of the walk. They are listed under the photo album Y Garnedd circular walk
If you go up the B4410 by the Oakeley Arms and park in the carpark on the right just past the turn off to the railway station, there is a lovely circular walk that comes out on the ridge above Llechrwd campsite.
Please check out our facebook page for more photos and details of the walk. They are listed under the photo album Y Garnedd circular walk
13. Bryn Mawr
Along the main Porthmadog road , just before Laundry cottage there is a layby (opposite a large house called Bryn Mawr) where you can access the river Dwyryd with canoes and kayaks. As the river is tidal up to the bridge at Maentwrog you can follow the river upstream to there , or go downstream to Aber Gaffron, Ynys, Porthmadog Harbour and Borth-Y-Gest.
14. Slate Quays of Tyddyn Isa
This is the best preserved of the six quays along the Dwyryd, the two buildings were both magazines for the storage of black powder for use in the quarries. It can be reached by footpath along the embankment from the footpath opposite the layby near Laundry cottage, or from the track which leaves the main road at Cae Falli.
15. Ynys
You can park here on the foreshore with great views across the estuary towards Portmeirion and the island Ynys Gifftan. When the tide is out you can walk on the sands (but please be aware that the tide comes in fast so make sure you take note of tide times before you go out there , and leave yourself plenty of time to get back). You can also canoe from here , we enjoy going up the river (Afon Glyn) which is short but very interesting. The whole area is great for bird watching.
16. Portmeirion
After you pass through the villages of Penrhyndeudraeth and Minffordd a left turn takes you to the stunning and unique Itallianate village of Portmeirion, where you can explore their extensive woodland walks, secluded cove and take a walk round the village which includes a few shops and places to eat.http://www.portmeirion-village.com/
17. Harlech
Along the coast from Ynys is the historic village of Harlech. The upper village is the old part, which includes the imposing Harlech Castle which looks out over Cardigan Bay. The lower village has a swimming pool , and access to Harlech's long sandy stretch of beach that is popular with families.
18. The Cob
The Cob runs along the estuary to Porthmadog , there is a walkway below the road for looking at the inner estuary which is great for bird watching, you can also walk along the upper part next to the Ffestiniog railway to look out towards Borth-Y-Gest.
19. Porthmadog
At the town of Porthmadog there are plenty of shops, it is the terminus for the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway which is currently being extended. There is a pretty harbour, plenty of places to eat, and a leisure center that includes swimming pool, tennis, squash and badminton courts etc.
20. Borth-Y-Gest
The pretty little village of Borth-Y-Gest has a picturesque harbour and walks round to several secluded coves (you can walk from here to Black Rock Sands - at Morfa Bychan if you wish). There are two places to eat at Borth-Y-Gest, the Seaview cafe and the Moorings.
Please remember when walking, canoeing or doing anything outdoors to wear appropriate clothing, and be aware that the weather can change very quickly round here, especially up the mountains.
