This Gwynedd walk is full of variety. The route includes a crossing of the Barmouth Bridge, a section of woodland with many waterfalls, two beautifully located lakes and some mountain vistas.
(D)From the start walk towards the sea and follow the promenade with the sea to your right. Continue around the harbour until you reach the main A496 through the town. Turn right and continue along the main road towards the Barmouth Bridge. Cross the road and take the footpath that runs over the bridge. There used to be a toll payable but in 2015 this was no longer the case. Cross the bridge with an excellent view across the Mawddach Estuary to your left.
(1)Reaching the other side of the Mawddach Estuary look out for a stile on your left (grid ref. SH626146). Cross this stile and walk across a raised dyke towards Fegla Fawr (a large rocky outcrop). Turn left along a rough path heading back towards the estuary shoreline. Continue on this path which continues behind a row of houses. At the end of the houses, turn left and locate the continuation of the path running parallel to the estuary.
(2)At the first footpath junction (grid ref. SH633148) turn right and walk inland on a signed bridleway. This leads across open land to reach the Mawddach Trail (grid ref. SH637144). Turn left and continue along the Trail until you reach a small car pak on your right (grid ref SH640148). Turn right along the lane, taking a signed footpath on the left. This leads alongside a creek to the main A493 and a small chapel at Arthog. Cross the road with care and take the signed footpath almost opposite up steps into woodland.
(3)The path climbs steadily through the woods with a stream on your left tumbling down many waterfalls and cascades. The path is waymarked and eventually you reach the top of the wood and a picturesque clapper bridge across the stream (grid ref SH649138). Cross the footbridge and follow the signed path across open country with views across the Mawddach Estuary to your left and the rocky hill Cefn-hir ahead. The way ahead is never in doubt until you near the road at grid ref, SH654146). For the final descent to the road keep the wall to your right.
(4)Walk along the lane uphill past Gefnir Farm until a panorama of the first of the Cregennen Lakes opens up before you. There are many places hearabouts to enjoy a rest and perhaps a picnic. To continue, walk along the lane around the shores of the lake. The lane continues to climb and a view across the second of the Cregennen Lakes opens up on your left by a large standing stone. On this stretch you can also enjoy a wonderful panorama to your left of the Cadair Idris range. Continue along the lane past the second of the Cgrennen Lakes to reach a road junction (grid ref. SH663135). Turn right and follow this quiet lane past derelict Hafotty-fach to the next junction (grid ref. SH647133).
(5)Turn right here and descend steeply at times, passing close to the clapper bridge. Continue on the lane to a signed bridleway on your left (grid ref SH645139). Follow this bridleway downhill to the main road. Turn right along the main road and take the first signed footpath on your left (grid ref. SH638143). Follow this path to reach the Mawddach Trail where you joined it on the outward route. Turn left along the Trail to Morfa Mawddach station. Do not cross the railway but continue ahead to reach the Barmouth Bridge. All that remains is for you to retrace your steps back to the start.(A)
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 26ft - Barmouth
1 : mi 1.42 - alt. 3ft - Cross stile on left
2 : mi 1.99 - alt. 20ft - Turn right at footpath junction
3 : mi 3.09 - alt. 62ft - Cross road and take footpath opposite
4 : mi 4.32 - alt. 604ft - Walk up lane past Gefnir Farm
5 : mi 6.64 - alt. 833ft - Turn right at junction
D/A : mi 10.43 - alt. 26ft - Barmouth
This walk is full of interest with wide views of the Mawddach Estuary, a charming walk through woodland with waterfalls beside you, open high level views across to Barmouth, two beautiful lakes, a grand panorama of the Cadair Idris range and pleasant walking on quiet country lanes. Despite some sections of road walking, do not let this put you off as the lanes are gated meaning traffic is very light.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 5/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 5/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 13/07/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Varied walk with some fabulous views across the estuary. Sea - river - waterfall - lakes and a bit of climbing!
A short Gwynedd walk ideal for an evening stroll. The route includes crossing the Barmouth Bridge and some excellent views across the Mawddach Estuary and surrounding mountains. The walk also includes a section of the Mawddach Trail.
This Gwynedd walk is full of interest with a section across the hills, an historic chapel and a ruined castle. The final section is through a gorge. This is a surprisingly beautiful part of Snowdonia.
Leave Abergynolwyn Station and, after a short stretch of road, you are soon walking along a steep gorge defined by the Afon Dysynni, which squeezes through this narrow gap before reaching Dyffryn Dysynni, where it turns south-west and heads for the sea. A very quiet lane is then joined at Pont Ystumanner and this is followed for a short way to Llan llwyda, with the craggy hulk of Bird Rock directly ahead.
A fascinating route which circumnavigates Foel Cae’rberllan and passes through the village of Abergynolwyn. You then walk along a valley with the Afon Dysynni hemmed in at its base before veering off above Coed Cae’r-berllan and approaching Castell y Bere, prominent on a rocky outcrop to your left. After visiting castles, you then make your return along the cwm of Nant-yr-eira, initially through woods and then along an open trackway.
Following quiet lanes and pretty riverside paths down to the Afon Dysynni, this is an easy walk which offers expansive views towards the sea in the west, and the mountains to the east. Your return route passes Ynysymaengwyn on its way back to the station.
Starting from Rhydyronen, you are soon presented with a stunning vista of the sea and the valley as you climb gently up the lower slopes of the south-western extremities of the Tarrens. A steep descent brings you back to the railway at Brynglas Station, an alternative starting point. You then pass a fine converted mill and the handsome house of Dolaugwyn before making your way through woods and beside Nant Rhydyronen back to the start.
From Rhydyronen Station, there is a splendid walk up the steep-sided valley of Nant Braich-y-rhiw where, after crossing the stream, you turn sharp left to return to the station to start the second part of this route. If you have the stamina and help with transport, you could continue in a south-easterly direction to cross into Happy Valley. However, to continue this walk you then accompany the railway for an easy walk back to Pendre, passing an area of Open Access Land (Tir Cymen) at Hendy.
An easy, level walk which visits St Cadfan's church before making a bee-line for the Afon Dysynni.After a walk beside the river, you turn inland, passing a fine dovecot and what remains of Ynysymaengwyn, once a stately home. A short walk along the road brings you to the ancient Croes-faen, where you turn left to either return to the start along quiet lanes or make a short diversion to Hen-dy Station and a ride back in the train.
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