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.
Calculated time: 3h30[?] 
Distance : 6.39mi
Vertical gain : 623ft
Vertical drop : 636ft
Highest point : 554ft
Lowest point : 59ft 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area : Snowdonia 
Location : Llanfihangel-y-Pennant
Starting point : N 52.64413° / W 3.95622° (D)This varied walk starts from the village of Abergynolwyn which lies on the B4405 northeast from Tywyn. Parking is available in the village centre by the community centre (grid ref. SH677069) where refreshments are available. After parking, cross the road and take the road to Llanegryn to the right of the Railway Inn. Follow this road as far as the bridge across the River Dysynni. Just across the bridge take the footpath on the right hand side. This path runs alongside the river before climbing up to a tarmac lane (grid ref. SH676073).
(1)Turn right along this quiet lane for just over a mile until you reach the junction with the B4405 where it crosses the River Dysynni. Just before the junction take the signed path over a stile on your left. This path crosses a field and then climbs up through woodland to reach a track (grid ref. SH689082). Turn left along this track soon entering open country. Reaching a gate, take the stile on the right and enter a broad grassy cwm.
(2)The onward path is not obvious at first but follows the derelict wall which is now rather overgrown. The way becomes much clearer now and your route follows the valley bottom on a grassy path. This leads down to a ruined buildings (Nant-yr-eira) close to a stream crossing. Continue ahead in the same direction crossing three fields to reach a gravel track (grid ref. SH679088). On OS maps there is a bridleway leaving the track here. However waist high vegetation obscured the route and after 20 minutes searching the undergrowth we opted to take an easier route. If you are using this route when the vegetation has died back you might find the path. In which case follow the path downhill ignoring the footbridge on the left. This should lead you down to the chapel at Llanfihangel-y-pennant.
(3)The route suggested is to continue along the gravel track. This climbs briefly before slanting downhill across the hillside to a bridleway above Tyn-y-ddol farm which is down on your left. Turn left onto this bridleway and, doubling back on yourself, descend to a lane (grid ref. SH673092). Turn left along this quiet lane and walk to Mary Jones' chapel in Llanfihangel-y-pennant. Follow the lane round to the right and continue towards Castell y Bere (which can visited by an access path on your right).
(4)Just past this path you will find a signed footpath on your left (grid ref. SH668084). Cross the stile and walk across the field to a gate which leads you onto a footpath. This path descends gently offering a fine view of the valley. Where the path divides, bear right and continue to a lane passing the fine farmhouse of Caerberllan on your left.
(5)Go right on the lane, and then left at the next junction and walk along this lane across the River Dysynni (grid ref SH659078). Just over the bridge take the track on your left. The path veers left as you approach a house which you keep on your right. The path continues with the river on your left. This is a glorious section of the walk as the path climbs well above the river with a superb retrospective view. Continue on the clear path until you reach the outskirts of Abergynolwyn. Cross the footbridge over the river and turn right. This leads you back to the centre of the village.
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 128ft - Abergynolwyn community centre
1 : mi 0.38 - alt. 246ft - Turn right along lane
2 : mi 1.84 - alt. 554ft - Take stile on right
3 : mi 2.56 - alt. 367ft - Continue along gravel track
4 : mi 4.08 - alt. 144ft - Take footpath on left
5 : mi 4.69 - alt. 72ft - Go right along lane
D/A : mi 6.39 - alt. 128ft - Abergynolwyn community centre
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
5.56mi
+971ft
-965ft
3h25
Starting point in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant - Gwynedd 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.
4.71mi
+571ft
-594ft
2h40
Starting point in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant - Gwynedd 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.
3.97mi
+108ft
-105ft
1h55
Starting point in Bryn-Crug - Gwynedd 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.
3.6mi
+561ft
-577ft
2h10
Starting point in Bryn-Crug - Gwynedd 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.
4.04mi
+292ft
-358ft
2h05
Starting point in Bryn-Crug - Gwynedd 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.
3.9mi
+814ft
-820ft
2h30
Easy
Starting point in Tywyn - Gwynedd This is a short walk in the Snowodnia National Park, easily manageable in about a couple of hours making it suitable for families, for an evening excursion or for the remains of a day curtailed by bad weather. It is rewarding and enjoyable, in a land of Arthurian legend, providing varying interest and ever changing panoramas from coastal to more distant mountains.
3.45mi
+46ft
-46ft
1h40
Easy
Starting point in Tywyn - Gwynedd 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.
10.43mi
+1158ft
-1152ft
5h50
Average
Starting point in Barmouth - Gwynedd 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.
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