All posts by Tony Ellis

High Mountain Scramble – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

High Mountain Scramble (Grib Lem)

Grib Lem (“sharp/pointed ridge”) is situated on the northern slopes of Carnedd Dafydd. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the Ogwen Valley, this amazing grade 1 scramble really is a forgotten gem of Eryri (Snowdonia), a high quality easy ridge scramble in a stunning mountain setting that finishes on the summit of Carnedd Dafydd – 1,044 m (3,425 ft).

The route is never too difficult, with many options to choose from, and plenty of hand and footholds. And don’t forget to look back every now and then to take in the spectacular views of the ridge and valley.

The photo shows part of Grib Lem. (© Live for the Outdoors). You can see some footage on YouTube here: Crib Lem in Snowdonia

This walk is limited to 8 people. We will be car-sharing to and from Trefriw.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:    5 – 6 miles / 8 – 9 km

Grade:  Strenuous mountain, with a long section of grade 1 scramble. Exposed in places. The height gain is over 800m and much of it is not on a path.

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Suitability:  Fit and experienced mountain walkers. Participants must be used to coping with rough terrain and long days in the mountains.

Remember that it can be much colder at altitude, even in May.  Please ensure that you have good, warm, waterproof clothing, including hat and gloves, and suitable sturdy boots.

Departure time:  9:00 a.m. (car share) from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Leo Scheltinga & Paul Newell


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
1 place left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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The Sleeping Lady – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

The Sleeping Lady

This is a strenuous walk from Trefriw over to  Capel Curig, initially up the ridge of Cefn Cyfarwydd, behind Trefriw, then via the tops of Creigiau Gleision, Craig Wen and Crimpiau, whose skyline form ‘The Sleeping Lady’ (see the picture). This elevated area offers some great views of the mountains of Snowdonia.

Some areas may be a bit boggy.

At the end of the walk our minibus will bring us back from Capel Curig to Trefriw.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  8.5 miles / 13 km

Grade:  Moderate/strenuous upland

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Suitability:  Fit and experienced hill walkers. Participants must be used to coping with rough terrain  and long walks in the mountains.

Remember that it can be much colder at altitude, even in May.  Please ensure that you have good, warm, waterproof clothing, including hat and gloves, and suitable sturdy boots.

Departure time:  09:15 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Roger Pierce & Zac Pierce


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
1 place left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Welsh water – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

Welsh water

This walk will visit the 4 linked lake reservoirs in the northern Carneddau foothills which provide water for the coastal towns and the Conwy Valley. We will be taken by our minibus to Cwm Eigiau, from where we will head up 250m to the mountain lakes of Llyn Melynllyn and Llyn Dulyn, before returning by a different path to the Eigiau valley. From here we’ll pass by Llyn Eigiau (the source of the Dolgarrog disaster in 1925) and walk over the hill to the Cowlyd valley, where Llyn Cowlyd’s dam dominates the area. From here we’ll catch the minibus back over the hill to Trefriw. There’s lots of industrial history in these areas too.

This area of the Carneddau foothills is remote, and it can be cold at altitude, even in May. Please ensure that you have good, warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  About 9 miles / 14 km

Grade:  Moderate/strenuous in view of the terrain (rough in places) and distance (some 1,400 ft / 425 m of ascent)

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:30 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Tony Ellis & Nigel Thomas


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
2 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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A walk in the Parc – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

A walk in the Parc

From Trefriw we’ll walk up to the scenic lake of Llyn Parc (between Trefriw and Betws y coed), returning by a different route.

The name of the walk comes from Llyn Parc, though the whole walk is also in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. That said, in the figurative sense this has sections of moderate gradient so is not ‘just a walk in the park’ (if you see what we mean!)

Having initially walked over to the area above Gwydir Castle, from there we’ll follow the path overlooking the Conwy valley, up to Llyn Parc. We’ll walk along the lakeside (the lake is 2/3 of a mile long), then we’ll head back to Trefriw through some of the most scenic parts of the Gwydir Forest. Expect pretty paths and good views.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  About 10 miles / 16 km

Grade:  Moderate, but leisurely

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:45 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Mat Hancox & Matthew Driver


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
2 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.

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Now that’s what I call local – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

Now that’s what I call local

You may know that there is a series of walks around Trefriw called the Trefriw Trails. What we’ll be doing here is a lovely walk which combines part of four different trails, to make a 7-mile loop, never too far from the village itself.

The walk is undulating, with a total of 1,000 ft of ascent, and sees us on forest paths and on field paths.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  7 miles / 11 km

Grade:  Moderate

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  10:15 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Jan Blaskiewicz & Karen Martindale


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
2 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Hike & eBike – 24

Friday 17 May, 2024

Hike & eBike

A walk with a biking element – we will be providing you with e-bikes (battery-assisted bikes).  Essentially there will be some 3 – 4 miles of walking, and about 6 miles of biking.

This is an e-bike introduction on quiet lanes and roads with stunning views of the Conwy Valley, its lakes and surrounding hills and mountains. (Please note that there will be no technical terrain, but there are steep hills both up and down, so participants need to be reasonably confident and competent cyclists.)

The walkers will be accompanied by two of our leaders, and the cyclists will be accompanied by FFIT Conwy e-bike instructors.

There will be two groups of up to 10 people –

  •  The first group will ride by e-bike from Trefriw, ending up at Llyn Geirionydd (in the photo).  After a lunch stop (with the second group) we will swap and walk back to Trefriw by quiet footpaths.
  • The second group will largely do this in reverse, i.e. walk up to our lunch stop at Llyn Geirionydd, then use the e-bikes to return to Trefriw.

Note that if you do not want to ride and walk in the same footwear, you will need to bring a second pair. You will need to ride with your rucksack anyway.

We will provide helmets (but you’re welcome to bring your own).

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Walking distance:  about 4 miles

Grade:  Moderate

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  10:30 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

This particular event has been made possible through funding from the Carneddau Landscape Partnership. Thank you!

Walk Leaders:  Brian Watson & Marianne Siddorn (assisted by 3 eBike leaders)


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
3 places left

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Mindful Meditation Walk -24

Friday 17 May, 2024

Mindful Meditation Walk (afternoon)

Join us for a meditative and contemplative walk to connect with self and the natural world.

We will initially meet at Trefriw Village Hall for a car-share to Gwydir Uchaf chapel, just 2 miles (5 mins) from Trefriw – see the route here.

The walk will be an hour’s slow meditative walk from Gwydir Uchaf chapel along paths on the edge of Gwydir Forest.  There will be a short session of meditation before and after the walk, including a visit to the impressive chapel.  Afterwards we will return by car-share to Trefriw.

Whilst this walk is the shortest in the Walking Festival, we often hear of its powerful effect on people.

Duration:  2 hours.

Distance:  About 1.5 miles / 2 km

Grade: Easy, leisurely  (with some ascent and descent)

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  1:30 p.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Kate Hamilton-Hunter &  Lin Cummins


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
2 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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The Glyderau – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

The Glyderau

This is a strenuous mountain round which will see us visiting the Gylderau (Glyders) range, taking in Glyder Fawr (1,001 m / 3,284 ft), Glyder Fach (994 m / 3,261 ft) and passing the dramatic rock features of Y Gwyliwr (the Cantilever) and Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Winds).

(The picture, taken from Glyder Fach, shows Castell y Gwynt, with Glyder Fawr in the distance to the right of it. Also in the picture is the Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon massif.)

Our minibus will take us to Penygwryd, from where we will walk up off-road to Pen y Pass (at the foot of Snowdon), to then take the steep path up to Glyder Fawr. We’ll then follow the wide ridge to Glyder Fach, descending on the Miners’ Path to our starting point at Penygwryd.

Aside from 2,800 ft of ascent (and descent), there is a small amount of rock-clambering involved on this walk.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  7 miles / 11 km

Grade:  Strenuous high mountain.

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Suitability:  Fit and experienced mountain walkers. Participants must be used to coping with rough terrain  and long walks in the mountains.

Remember that it can be much colder at altitude, even in May.  Please ensure that you have good, warm, waterproof clothing, including hat and gloves, and suitable sturdy boots.

Departure time:  09:00 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Keith Hulse & Nick Livesey (author of ‘Photographing the Snowdonia Mountains‘)


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Seventh Heaven – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

Seventh Heaven

This walk sees us visiting seven of the best lakes in and around the Gwydir Forest, with plenty of gorgeous views throughout the day.

We’ll initially head up to Llyn Crafnant, before heading to Llyn Geirionydd (where there are toilets). Our next lakes are Llyn Bod Bach and Llyn Bodgynydd. By now we’ll be approaching the highest part of Gwydir Forest (which despite its name is very open) and on our way back to Trefriw (via Llanrhychwyn and its ancient church – one of the oldest in Wales) we’ll also pass Llyn Bwlch y Gwynt and Llyn Glangors (in the picture), another two pretty lakes with distant views over towards the mountains (weather permitting).

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  11 miles / 18 km

Grade:  Moderate, with a fair bit of up and down

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:15 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Mat Hancox & Matthew Driver


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
1 place left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Simply agog – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

Simply agog – 24

This walk sees us walking from Trefriw over to Capel Curig.

The name of this walk reflects not only the gorgeous scenery and views, but also the fact that ‘y gog‘ (pronounced ‘agog’) is Welsh for ‘the cuckoo’; this is cuckoo country, so we’ll be very surprised if we don’t hear the cuckoo during the walk.

This gorgeous walk takes in a variety of scenery – hillsides, lakes, woodland, forestry and open moorland.  We’ll initially head up to Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant, at the head of which we’ll ascend Crimpiau, a small peak with astonishing views in all directions – many describe it as one of the best viewpoints in Snowdonia. As we approach Capel Curig, we’ll have increasing views of Moel Siabod, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Snowdon Horseshoe.

Our minibus will bring us back to Trefriw.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  8 miles / 13 km

Grade:  Moderate, though steep up Crimpiau itself.

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:30 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Nick Denney & Lucy Flood


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
2 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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A Breeze through the Trees – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

A breeze through the trees – flora and fauna of Gwydir Forest

This day-long scenic walk high above the Conwy valley will start in Trefriw and take us through Gwydir Forest, finishing in Betws y coed. It is full of spectacular views, punctuated by an impressive waterfall, a stunning lake and remnants of the area’s mining past. The walk will be led by two local knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who will introduce you to the flora and fauna and history of this unique area of Eryri National Park. Feel free to bring binoculars and a hand lens.

Please note that the trail will be a little rough and steep in places.

Our minibus will bring us back from Betws y coed.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:   6 miles / 10 km

Grade:  Moderate, leisurely pace, with lots of stopping

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  9:45 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Maria Denney & Pete Kay


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
1 place left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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The Huw Tom upland walk – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

The Huw Tom upland walk

Huw Thomas Edwards was a Welsh politician and trade union leader who started from humble beginnings working in Graiglwyd quarry in Penmaenmawr. He was born in Rowen, in the Conwy valley, and walked the route between the two places each day.

The Huw Tom Upland Walk is an iconic linear walk through time, sprinkled with historical remnants and relics. The route also offers spectacular views of the Conwy Valley, the Great Orme and across the coast and Liverpool Bay.

You can download a pdf of the walk here.

We’ll be taking our minibus to Rowen, then walking over the tops and down to Penmaenmawr Museum for tea and cake. Archaeologist Arwyn will be there to tell us a little more about the rich history of the uplands. We will then travel back to Trefriw by the Carneddau Project’s electric minibus.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  6 miles  / 10 km

Grade:  Moderate, with some steeper sections and some rougher ground.

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Because this is an upland walk, make sure you have warm, waterproof clothing with you and good footwear.

Departure time:  10:00 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Tanya Scheltinga & Colin Devine


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Bluebells and Cake – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

Bluebells and Cake

Join us for the walk that attracts many visitors to Trefriw– the classic round which takes in Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd. From Trefriw we ascend past the Fairy Falls and onto the edge of Gwydir Forest. Gwydir Forest was mentioned in written texts at least 500 years ago, and we’ll certainly witness some of its history, passing old mine works, the infamous Klondike mill and the monument to the bard, Taliesin.

The views from both lakes are stunning. We’ll take a break for lunch and there will be plenty of opportunity to talk to your guides about the area along the way. At Llyn Crafnant we’ll walk ½ mile along its shore to the lakeside cafe (which is where the cake comes in!)

After completing our visit to the two lakes we’ll head back to the Trefriw. If the seasons are kind to us, we’ll take in the vast and stunning field of bluebells as we return to the village.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 6 miles / 10 km

Grade:  Easy/Moderate, leisurely

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  10:15 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Liz Burnside & Brian Watson


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Flat out – 24

Saturday 18 May, 2024

Flat Out

This lovely figure-of-eight walk is the flattest of all the walks in the Walking Festival – all but ½ mile is fairly level, which isn’t easy for Trefriw! So yes, basically it’s flat out but also flat back!

Our route sees us walking for the first 3 miles by the river Conwy to the far side of Llanrwst, then up to the old chapel of Gwydir Uchaf, overlooking Gwydir Castle. From here we’ll return to Pont Fawr, Llanrwst’s famous bridge (passed earlier), and the adjacent café of Tu Hwnt i’r Bont (which sells ice-cream!). We’ll return to Trefriw by a different route, again passing the suspension bridge over the Afon Conwy.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  6 miles / 10 km

Grade:  Easy, leisurely

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  10:30 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Clive Noble & Bernard Owen


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
Several places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Dawn chorus – 24

Sunday 19 May, 2024

Dawn chorus

Enjoy the dawn chorus on an early morning walk in the countryside near Trefriw with some local bird watchers. While walking a loop that includes woodland and riverbank, learn how to identify birds by their song.  We will be going at a leisurely pace, though there will be some rough and short steep sections. The ground may be wet in places. Good boots and binoculars recommended.

There’ll be a hot drink and biscuits waiting for us on our return to the Village Hall, and we’ll be back in sufficient time for you to attend another main walk, if you wish!

Duration:  A maximum of 3 hours  (It is likely that some walkers will be wanting to join a later walk.)

Distance:  A maximum of 4 miles, depending on progress

Grade:  Easy, leisurely

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  06:00 a.m. (i.e. early!) from the main car park in Trefriw (LL27 0JH, SH781631) opposite the Woollen Mill.
NOTE – This walk meets at Gowers car park, not at the village hall.

Refreshments will be available in the Hall after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Shaun De Clancy & Lin Cummins


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Black Dogs & Broomsticks – 24

Sunday 19 May, 2024

Black Dogs & Broomsticks

The name of this walk comes from the two main hills we’ll be walking, namely Pen yr Helgi Du (‘Head/Hill of the Black Hound’) and Pen Llithrig y Wrach (‘The Slippery Peak of the Witch’)

This is a strenuous mountain walk, but if the weather is kind we’ll be rewarded by amazing views.

Our minibus will take us to the Ogwen valley, where we will walk up the access track to Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir, then follow the narrow Bwlch Eryl Farchog to climb steeply to the summit of Pen yr Helgi Du (833 m  / 2,733 ft). From here its down and up for a mile to the summit of Pen Llithrig y Wrach (799 m / 2,621 ft). We’ll follow its back ridge down to the dam of Llyn Cowlyd, then return to Trefriw over the ridge of Cefn Cyfarwydd (492 m / 1,614 ft).

(The picture is taken from Pen Llithrig y Wrach, looking back at Pen yr Helgi Du, with beyond it the higher Carneddau mountains.)

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  10m / 16km

Grade:  Strenuous mountain, with nearly 3,000 ft (900m) of ascent in total. This mountain walk will include some uneven rocky ground, a couple of very short short ‘clambery’ sections, and exposure in a couple of places.

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Suitability:  Fit and experienced hill walkers. Participants must be used to coping with rough terrain and long walks in the mountains. Remember that it can be cold at altitude, even in May; please bring warm, waterproof clothing, including hat and gloves, and suitable sturdy boots.

Departure time:  08:45 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Tony Ellis, Lucy Flood & Paul Newell


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
1 place left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Romans and countrymen – 24

Sunday 19 May, 2024

Romans and countrymen

This is a glorious round in an area which we’ve not fully explored before. Our minibus will take us to Betws y coed, from where we will walk by the riverside, crossing Miners’ Bridge to then follow the old Roman route of Sarn Helen past the old village of Rhiwddolion and over the hill to Pont y Pant, in the Lledr valley. From here we’ll follow the river downstream to Victorian Gethin’s Bridge, to then take a path up the hillside to Llyn Elsi, the lake/reservoir above Betws y coed, from where we’ll return on the main track to the village. The minibus will return us to Trefriw.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance:  8 miles / 13 km

Grade:  Moderate, but with a total of 1,500 ft of ascent

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:30 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Maria Denney & Marianne Siddorn


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Castles in the Air – 24

Sunday 19 May, 2024

Castles in the Air

The castle in question is Gwydir Castle, and ‘Castles in the Air’ is the title of the book detailing its renovation by its current owners. Gwydir was the seat of the powerful Wynn family who were descendants of the Kings of Gwynedd, and were one of the most significant families of north Wales during the Tudor and Stuart periods.

The leisurely walk is one of our easier ones this year, having only about 200m (650 ft) of elevation. From Trefriw we’ll initially take a scenic route round the Cob and alongside the river Conwy as we head to Llanrwst and Gwydir Castle. This walk includes entry into Gwydir Castle and its gardens (paid for by our sponsor*), where we can spend some time. Afterwards we’ll head up to Gwydir Uchaf chapel with its amazing interior and its adjacent small Tudor maze. On the way back to Trefriw we’ll call into the Grey Mare’s Tail, a splendid waterfall which feeds the water features at Gwydir via a half-mile leat across the meadows. It was Lady Willoughby of Gwydir who gave the waterfall its name. (Time allowing we might also visit the site of the Tudor bowling green.)

* This has been made possible through funding from the Carneddau Landscape Partnership. Thank you!

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance: About 6 miles / 10 km

Grade:  Easy, leisurely, little ascent (except if taking the path down to the bottom of the falls).

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  09:45 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Colin Devine & Liz Burnside


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
This walk is fully booked.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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Take me home, country roads – 24

Sunday 19 May, 2024

Take me home, country roads

This is a popular walk back to Trefriw from Betws y coed, all off-road. There are so many scenic ways back that we have no hesitation in repeating this gorgeous walk. We’ll be travelling to our start point at Betws y coed by minibus, then walking back on good tracks over the edge of the Gwydir Forest, passing several beautiful lakes and viewpoints.

We’ll initially head up through the Aberllyn gorge and the along the shore of Llyn Parc. From here, it’s downhill to Hafna mine, where we’ll probably stop for lunch. The walk then takes us over the highest part of the Gwydir Forest, past some gorgeous lakes with great views over towards the mountains. (There are toilets at Llyn Geirionydd.) This is a gem of a walk at a leisurely pace.
The route will follow a mix of wide forest paths and other paths.

Duration:  All day.  Please bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 8 miles / 12 km

Grade:  Moderate, with a couple of steep sections

Please be aware that this is a rural area and that all our walks take us out into the countryside where some parts of paths and tracks will be uneven and sometimes wet and slippery underfoot; it isn’t like walking on pavements!

Departure time:  10:00 a.m. from Trefriw Village Hall (LL27 0JH, SH781631)
Refreshments will be available in the Hall both before and after your walk. (See ‘our cafe’.)  Please stay and socialise!

Walk Leaders:  Nigel Thomas & Dave Tetlow


Click on the map to see the rough location of this walk.


Booking: To book a place, please click on the Eventbrite button below (opens in a new tab).
3 places left.

Please ensure that you have read the booking information, terms and conditions before you attend any walks.

Please note that, although we make no charge for our walks, we do ask for voluntary donations (card preferred, but cash accepted). More details on our funding page.


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