LOCAL WALKS
In this section of our website, we intend to list a series of walks which take in the enchanting surroundings of the Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park and beyond.

We hope to include a variety of differing walks that would be suited to either the beginner, family groups or the more seasoned and adventurous walker.

We also warmly invite similar contributions from guests and ask them to, very kindly, share their walking experiences on this website. (Please feel free to write a piece (long or short) either during your stay or send one on after your departure. Pictures to illustrate your walk would also be very much welcome.)

Here is a map of the Coed-y-Brenin that lists some of the walking trails and sites of interest close to Glyn-yr-Aur. Walkers can follow the trails in their own time and at their own pace and take in some of the finest scenery and views. Trails and Sites Guide

Several local walks and places to visit can be found at the Visitor Centre site but bear in mind for some it is easier to start from Glyn-yr-Aur!
Look at the following link for details Up to Date Activities Information for the Centre

Precipice Walk

One of the most popular walks in Gwynedd it has very little climb or descent and in good weather has spectacular views of Cadair Idris the Mawddach and the Mawddach Estuary. Less than 5 miles from Glyn yr Aur no visit here would be complete without doing this relatively easy walk.

Volcano Trail

Maintained by the Forestry Commission this most interesting walk examines the geology of the area with particual reference to copper deposits. In fine weather there are superb views infrom the central section. Periodically there are display boards describing the features of local interest. Glyn yr Aur is located in the top right hand corner of the map and the "circular" walk can be started from there.

Panorama Walk

The Panorama Walk affords wonderful views of much of southern Snowdonia, especially Barmouth, Fairbourne and Cardigan Bay. Several routes of varying lengths are listed on the attached link. So for beginners to more experienced fell walkers, there's really no excuse not to get out there and have a fantastic day.

Llyn Cau

The Cader Idris is perhaps second only to Snowdon in being the most popular peak in the Snowdonia National Park. Keen walkers can regularly be seen scaling the Cader's heights at most times of the year. This particular walk actually only goes as far as the mountain's mid section or renowned tarn, Llyn Cau. Suitable for more experienced ramblers, it's well worth the journey from Glyn-yr-aur to try this route along the well-trodden, Minffordd pathway. The walk lasts around 2.5 hrs from start to finish, and begins on the southern flanks of the mountain near the Talyllyn lake. (This walk is about a 30 minutes' drive from Glyn-yr-aur) A full, photographic walk to the mountain's peak is due later in the year.

Penmachno to Dolwyddelan

This exceptionally scenic walk begins in the car park of Welsh heritage site, Ty Mawr, which was the one-time home of William Bishop Morgan - who was among the first to translate all of the Bible into Welsh. It follows a myriad of pathways across woodland, meadow and field to take in views of Moel Siabod and the picturesque village of Dolwyddelan. Lasting around 3 hours, this walk is definitely for the more experienced rambler or walker. (This particular walk's starting point is about an hour's drive away from Glyn-yr-aur).

Bala Lake Walk

Starting from a lay-by near the Pentrepiod station, this walk takes in the far side of Bala Lake where the Bala Lake Railway can be found. Suitable for all levels of walkers, people can follow the scenic country road that parallels the railway and perhaps picnic by the lakeside at some of the enchanting inlets en route. This walk would take around 1.5 hrs to complete. Alternatively, people could take the train from Llanuchwyllyn station to the midpoint of the lake, and alight there, and walk back to that station. (The walk's starting point is about a 40 minutes' drive from Glyn-yr-aur)

Riverside Walk

This walk begins right from the front doorstep of Glyn-yr-aur, and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. People should make their own way down the hillside, to follow waymarked trails near and close to the River Mawddach. This will then lead to the wonderful Rhaeadr Mawddach and Pystyll Cain waterfalls. People should then just retrace their footsteps back to the cottage. Suitable for more experienced walkers because of the fairly steep hillside.

Walking to Antsville

Starting again from the doorstep of Glyn-yr-aur, this simple and easy walk follows the road from the driveway to the point where the road descends steeply before the Dolfrwynog Tea Garden. It should take no more than an hour to complete and encourages people to look out for the wood ants and their gigantic nests that are often seen here during the warmer months of the year.

Short Walk from Glyn-yr-Aur

Longer than the 'Walking to Antsville' route, this walk follows similar roads and trackways but also ventures higher up Moel Hafod Owen. Again it starts right from the doorstep of Glyn-yr-Aur.

Bryn-y-Gath (Cat Hill)

This particular walk lasts around 4 hours and gives people a wonderful tour of the Coed-y-Brenin. Starting from the cottage's doorstep, it takes in a wide variety of terrain which includes some riverside, hillside and high level road that leads to the lower valleys of the area and then back up via a mountain-bike route to tracks that lead back to the starting point.

Cader Idris....Pony Path

This is a personal account of the Pony Path walk up the Cader Idris starting from Ty Nant. It takes around 25 minutes to reach here from Glyn-yr-aur.

6 mountain walks in the Snowdon - Cader Idris Area

Again these walks form part of the national park authority's website and include treks up Snowdon and other peaks within the park's boundaries.

A tour around Dolgellau with the Dolgellau Civic Trust

The Dolgellau Civic Trust has penned this comprehensive walk which notes all the landmarks in the historic market town, which as said previously is a leisurely 20 minutes drive away from Glyn-yr-Aur.

Walk in Abergwynant Woods near Cader Idris

Beginning close to Dolgellau, this pleasant walk should be suitable for most ages and abilities and is again part of the national park authority's website.

A walk around Harlech and its coast

Harlech is perhaps best known for its mighty castle, but it's also famed for its marvellous coastline and beach. This walk by the national park authority takes in the scenic walkways around there.

Long mountain walk up Cader Idris

Taken from the Snowdonia National Park's official website, this details one of the longest routeways up mighty local peak the Cader Idris.

Shortest and steepest path up Cader Idris

This particular article outlines the full ascent of the Cader Idris from the Minffordd pathway, near the Talyllyn Lake, and says the whole walk should take about 5 hours in total.

The Mawddach Trail

The Mawddach Trail begins just outside Dolgellau and follows a wonderfully flat and scenic route to Barmouth. Suitable for all ages and abilities. The early section of this pathway offers great walking potential to families or beginners. Experienced walkers or cyclists only should only attempt the full length of the trail.

Ramblers' Association Walks in and around the Coed-y-Brenin and Dolgellau

Walking the Cader Idris - Guardian Travel section

Useful site for Walkers

www.walkingnorthwales.co.uk/gwynedd.htm


Summit of Cadair Idris from the Pony Path