This rewarding circular walk starts just outside Llanfrothen and heads through the beautiful Cwm Croesor valley to the historic village of Croesor. Enjoy magnificent views of Cnicht, discover the area's slate quarrying heritage and ancient oak woodlands. If it's open, stop at the excellent organic café before returning on a different route.
You're in the right place if you're looking for a peaceful, moderate circular walk away from the crowds. The route follows well-established paths with some steep, uneven and potentially muddy sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The café in Croesor is usually open Friday to Sunday, but it's worth checking opening times before you set off.
Croesor grew during the 19th century to serve the nearby slate quarries, and reminders of this industrial past can still be seen throughout the valley. The route passes through a landscape shaped by generations of quarry workers, with old tramway routes, quarry remains and dramatic mountain scenery combining to make this one of Eryri’s most rewarding moderate walks.
The return route follows different paths through open countryside, making this a varied circular walk rather than simply retracing your steps. Although the paths are generally easy to follow, some sections are steep, uneven and can become muddy after wet weather, so good walking boots are recommended.
“The organic café in Croesor is one of my favourite places to stop after a walk. It’s usually only open from Friday to Sunday, so it’s worth checking before you set off. If you catch it on an open day, it’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in this lovely village.” — Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
Our 17th-century cottages sit just above Beddgelert, with walking routes straight from the door.
Step-by-Step Walk Guide
Numbered steps with photos to help you follow the route.
Park in the free lay-by just before the small bridge over the river. Do not cross the bridge. Instead, continue straight ahead along the track (pictured) towards Felin Parc (states private road to deter cars, but it is a public footpath).
Pass Tan y Glogwyn on your left, then bear left and follow the waymarker up the steep concrete track beside Felin Parc. At the top of the climb, look for a public footpath on your left. Follow the waymarker onto the footpath, passing Tŷ Gelli on your right as you continue the walk.
Continue uphill through the woodland, following the waymarked footpath until you reach a gap in the stone wall. Pass through the gap and the path soon emerges onto an open ridge, where you'll be rewarded with superb panoramic views in every direction.
Keep following the waymarked path along the ridge before passing through a gate into another wooded section.
Continue through another gap in the wall, then follow the permissive path in front of Garth y Foel. Go through the small gate in the stone wall on your right, turn left, and follow the farm track past the house (pictured).
Follow the path to the right of the outbuildings and pass through the wooden gate. Bear right and climb gently uphill through the woodland, keeping to the waymarked route until you reach a ladder stile.
Cross the stile and continue along the path, passing through a small wooden gate before arriving at a metal gate ahead.
Go through the metal gate and follow the waymarked path across the field, heading towards the white house, Cae-glâs (pictured). Continue towards the metal field gate beside the stone outbuilding on your right.
Pass through the gate, walk past the outbuilding and follow the track in front of the house until you reach the road. Turn right through the gate and follow the road downhill into the village of Croesor.
At the crossroads on the far side of the village (pictured), you have a choice. For a well-earned refreshment stop, turn left towards the café — it is the first building on your left and makes a lovely place to pause.
If you are continuing the walk, turn right and follow the main road downhill. Please take care here, as this section is on the main road.
Continue downhill along the road until you reach a sharp left-hand bend (pictured). Take the road straight ahead for a short distance until you reach a cattle grid.
Pass through the small gate beside the cattle grid and continue along the track for around 50 metres, then take the gravel track on your left. Follow the waymarkers downhill until the track splits, taking the middle route and continuing with the fence line on your left.
Pass through the wooden gate and continue downhill to the clearing. Keep left, following the track alongside the fence, where you will pass the remains of the historic Park Quarry.
Continue through the gate and follow the waymarked path above the river to the kissing gate (pictured).
Pass through the gate and bear immediately right across the field, keeping the slate spoil heap on your left, until you reach the farm track. Follow the track downhill, continuing with the waymarkers.
Continue along the track until you reach the concrete bridge (pictured) over the River Maesgwm. Cross the bridge, then turn right and follow the footpath alongside the river, keeping the water on your right.
Continue until you reach the main road, the A4085. Cross the small bridge and you will arrive back at the lay-by and the start of the walk.
17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert
Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews
Stay in a converted water mill, a historic barn or a mountain lodge on Delyth’s family farm above the village — with wide Eryri views and walking routes from the door.
