Best routes to walk or hike in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Are you an experienced walker and looking for a new challenge, or are you someone who wants to try something a little different? Are you visiting one of our Zip World sites and want to explore the area a little further? If you fall under any of these, we have the perfect guide for you from family-friendly paths to more challenging climbs.  

DISCLAIMER: No matter the size of the mountain or the length of the walk, we always recommend you are prepared when taking on any of these adventures. The weather in the national park is ever-changing so we suggest to always dress appropriately, including suitable footwear and extra layers you can put in a backpack. We also recommend you always bring enough water and food to fuel you for your walk or hike. And finally, it is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going for the day as signal or navigation can sometimes be tricky due to the geographical location. 

Betws-y-Coed Bridges – Easy (30 min - 1hr) 

This popular walk takes you on a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Betws-y-Coed and through the neighbouring woodland that lines the banks of the Llugwy River. Starting in the village, you will cross over the famous Pont-y-Pair bridge and follow the river to the left and under the trees. The first part of the walk is fully accessible as the route follows a board walk path. This forest trail then leads you out into a field where you can sometimes encounter a flock of sheep. So, watch where you are stepping! This part of the path can be a great picnic spot as it is situated next to the banks of the river. Once you leave the field, the path becomes less accessible as you re-enter forest terrain with tree roots lining the path.  

After a small section of forest, you will get to the highlight of the walk, the Miners’ Bridge. This bridge was rebuilt back in 2022 as it was washed away during a storm in 2020. The bridge leads you over the river where you can enjoy the rush of the roaring waterfall below your feet. If you wish to make the make a loop of this walk, follow the path back up to the main A5 road and this will take you all the way back into the village of Betws-y-Coed. 

Llyn Elsi - Moderate (2hr)

The idyllic mountain lake is hidden amidst the woodlands of Gwydyr Forest and lies high above the village of Betws-y-Coed. Head for the back of St. Mary’s Church in Betws-y-Coed and follow the foot markers along the track. The walk starts with a steep incline which makes this walk moderate as you will need to be significantly fit and able to make the distance uphill. The hill keeps climbing through the trees until you reach your first sight of Llyn Elsi. Turn right at the start of the lake, towards the Ancaster Memorial and from there you will be rewarded with spanning mountain view of Snowdonia. Once you have completed the loop around the lake, head back down the hill to Betws-y-Coed and enjoy a well-deserved rest.  

Moelwyn Mawr & Moelwyn Bach – Hard (4-5hrs) 

If you are visiting Blaenau Ffestiniog and want to tackle more of a challenging mountain in the area, then this is the walk for you! Moelwyn Mawr & Moelwyn Bach tower in the background above Blaenau Ffestiniog on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Moelwyn Mawr stands at 770m so not as tall as Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), standing at 1085m, but it still counts as a serious mountain to take on. From Zip World Llechwedd, travel 10 minutes down the road, through Blaenau Ffestiniog, to a car park at the top end of Nant Ystradau. Start your hike by following the reservoir down the road until you meet the Llyn Stwlan Mine Railway Walk, this path will take you directly up to Llyn Stwlan, an impressive lake which is actually a huge dam. The walk up is constant but gradual as you travel over grassy landscape.  

At the dam, head to your left and continue your climb up to the ridge line. You will notice a dip in the ridge between two peaks, this is where you want to head towards as you make your way up the grassy mountainside. Once on the ridge line, you can choose to go to your left where you will climb up to Moelwyn Bach or head right to carry on to Moelwyn Mawr. Moelwyn Bach is the slightly smaller neighbouring peak standing at 710m. Head down from Moelwyn Bach the same way you went up and carry on over to Moelwyn Mawr. The paths are quite visible for each peak as hikers have left their footprints in the grass, creating a trodden path to follow.  

Moelwyn Mawr is a little more strenuous as you get closer to the top, the terrain becomes rocky and so you will have to navigate your way over large rocks. The path steeply winds to the top of the mountain until you reach the summit, where you will be greeted with spectacular views of Snowdonia and the reservoir below.  

Once you have conquered the peaks, you can either make your way back down the same route or make the walk slightly longer and turn it into a loop. If you wish to make it a loop, carry on over the peak of Moelwyn Mawr, keeping the reservoir to your right. This is a steady descent through grassy fields until you reach a river and a set of waterfalls. The path will then turn into an old quarry road, follow this down to a car park for the Cwmorthin Waterfall. If it is a hot day, this is a perfect spot to take a quick dip, if you don’t mind a bit of cold water. Carry on down the road and it will take you straight back to where you parked. You can also enjoy a seat and some food at the Lakeside Café, located at the top end of Nant Ystradau, exactly where you have left your vehicle.  

Llyn Crafnant – Easy (1hr) 

Not too far from our Zip World Conwy site, you can explore the beautiful scenery surrounding Llyn Crafnant. Llyn Crafnant is a mountain lake nestled above Trefriw and Llanrwst on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Llyn Crafnant is three quarters of a mile long and offers outstanding views of the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains.  

There are many marked walks you can do from the car park, one of which is a loop around the lake. The loop is 3 ½ miles but it follows a wide, tarmacked track, with some forest sections alongside the lake. Follow the trail climbing gently up the valley and enjoy the views from each end of the lake. Llyn Crafnant is a beautiful spot to bring a picnic and while away a few hours relaxing by the lake side.  

If you are looking for something a little more strenuous, you can also walk through the woodland and over to the neighbouring lake, Llyn Geirionydd. Llyn Geirionydd is smaller than Llyn Crafnant in size, but this lake offers the chance to swim and bring your paddleboards, as this is restricted on Llyn Crafnant. Walking over to Geirionydd and back can take up to 2 hrs. Both lakes offer toilet facilities, picnic areas and car parks.  

Cwm Idwal – Moderate (2hrs)  

One of the most impressive and popular areas in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is the area of Cwm Idwal. Travel down the Ogwen Valley from our Zip World Penrhyn Quarry site and you will find the crater lake of Cwm Idwal, the result of geological activity that took place millions of years ago. Cwm Idwal is sometimes considered the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park as it allows many to experience the true power and awe-inspiring views of this national park.  

Cwm Idwal has been attracting climbers, hikers and scientists for many years because of its unique and accessible nature. This particular route is a circular walk around the glacier lake that ascends steeply from the Visitor's Centre in the car park, towards the lake and Twll Du (Devil’s Kitchen). The path up to the lake is steep in parts but is well maintained. Once you get to the lake, you will be surrounded by the majesty of the mountains that encircle you. Choose to turn left or right to start your circular walk but some parts of the path involve navigating around larger rocks, so be careful with your footing. However, this route is suitable for less-experienced walkers and a great introduction to mountain walking.  

Moel Siabod – Hard (3-4hrs) 

Moel Siabod stands tall in reputation amongst the hiking community. Moel Siabod is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range and easily accessible from Capel Curig. There are a number of paths that can lead to the top of Moel Siabod but the most straight-forward is the path from Plas-y-Brenin. Follow the bridge over the Mymbyr river and through the forest path from Plas-y-Brenin. Once out of the forest, the path opens to mountain views and is largely clear to follow. You will follow this path all the way to the summit, which will be clearly marked by a large pillar. Once you need to find your way back down, check which direction you are facing as there is no clear path on the summit, so you will need to get yourself back to the path you came up.  

Once back on steady ground, you deserve some food and a drink! Tyn-y-Coed is a five-minute drive from your starting point at Capel Curig and offers the traditional feel of a Welsh guest house. If you are looking to stay the night and take on another climb the following day, this is also a perfect place to make your base for the area. This guest house offers 14 rooms, a restaurant and bar in the heart of the national park, not to mention the views from the front facing rooms. You can look back on Moel Siabod from the comfort of your room and relish is what you have accomplished. Each room is comfortable and relaxing making Tyn-y-Coed an ideal place to rest while discovering Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. 

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