Category Archives: Sat 18 May

The Glyderau

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

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).
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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Simply agog

Saturday 18 May, 2024

Simply agog

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).
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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A Breeze through the Trees

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).
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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The Huw Tom upland walk

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

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

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).
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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