Jump to route guide ↓
Difficulty: Hard
Length:
8.33 km
(5.18 miles)
Approx. duration: 3-5hrs
Dogs:
Not suitable
This challenging there-and-back mountain walk begins right from Perthi Holiday Cottages and takes you to the quiet summits of Craig Wen and Yr Aran. The route offers spectacular views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), especially from the top of Craig Wen and along the ridge leading to Yr Aran. The trail passes through wild and open landscapes, and while incredibly rewarding, path finding can be difficult in places—good navigation skills are essential. A perfect choice for experienced walkers looking for stunning views and a peaceful alternative to the busier Snowdon paths.
**Scan the QR code on-site for the route map.**
You can extend the walk to summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by descending Yr Aran and climbing Allt Maenderyn (South Ridge) —full details for the descent of the Aran and ascent of Allt Maenderyn are on our website.
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.
Begin the walk outside Ty Hebog next to the cattle grid down. Don't go over the cattle grid but follow the path left (pictured) towards the field.
Walk diagonally to the other side of the field. You will see a steep grassy path in the distance (pictured). Ascend the path.
At the top of the path you will arrive at two gates. Don't go through the first gate on your right. Go through the gate straight in front of you (please close the gate afterwards). Follow the path rightwards going over the river towards the weather mast, keeping the wall on your right.
Keep the wall on your right, following the quadbike tracks. The track then turns back on itself slightly and starts ascending. Keep ascending keeping the rocky outcrop on your right.
This ascent will take you up to a wall (pictured). Here you need to turn right around the back of the rocky outcrop. Keep the wall on your left.
You will arrive at a red gate. You will need to climb over this. The path gets a little narrower but it's still fairly easy to follow. It ascends diagonally (north east) until you arrive back at another stone wall.
Follow the wall up steeply until the wall turns right at a 90 degree angle. On this corner, navigate through the boggy area. Keep following this wall for a short distance.
When you arrive at the broken wall (pictured) the path disappears. Here it is possible to keep following the wall around the field until you come to a big gap in the stone wall where the tracks are found again. However, it is much easier to cut diagonally across this field (northwards) to the gap in the wall.
From the gap in the wall (pictured) the quadbike tracks are much more visible. Follow these, ascending northwards until you arrive at the corner of the field where the stone wall meets the fence. This is Craig Wen.
You will have to climb over the wall. Please be careful of the barbed wire. You can see Yr Aran straight in front of you and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to the left.
Follow the fence (pictured) along the ridge keeping the fence on your right. The path descends slighltly before ascending Yr Aran and the fence stops.
Then follow the old metal fence posts (pictured) which will guide you to the top of Yr Aran. Re-trace your steps towards Perthi. Be careful you don't lose the path, it can be disorientating. Aim for Beddgelert village or use the digital map that we have linked to the QR code.
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.
