Walker’s Guide: The Lakes & Woods of Tan-y-Bwlch

Our second walk is around the lakes and wooded hills of the old Plas Tan y Bwlch Estate. The main walk, without the extension to the viewpoint, takes about 1 ½ hours and is along easy tracks and paths (4 stiles to cross Ffestiniog Railway line and return) although you may want to allow time to picnic by one of the lakes.

If you want to take in the viewpoint, which involves some steep uphill and downhill sections, allow at least another 2 hours, or more if you want to enjoy the stunning views or picnic at the viewpoint.

Walker’s Guide: Cwmorthin from Tanygrisiau

In the first of our new guided walks series, I’ll be telling you about the secluded valley of Cwmorthin, complete with instructions on how to get there and a guided route to follow to get the best out of the stunning scenery.  You’ll also find photos and map links at the end of the article.  Over this series of “Walker’s Guide” posts we’ll be building up a library of free scenic walks for you to follow in the Snowdonia area to help you enjoy your visit.

Cwmorthin is worth the visit, both for its magnificent scenery and the intriguing ruins left over from its history of quarrying.  The route takes you along rough tracks and paths which can be wet in places, but is easy to follow.  It’s about 4 miles to walk up and return by the same route so we’re starting off easy!