Beddgelert is one of the best walking bases in Snowdonia, and three very different routes set off almost from the door of Perthi Holiday Cottages. Whether you’re after a gentle riverside stroll or a full mountain day, here are my three favourites — graded easy, medium and hard.
Easy: Gelert’s Grave Riverside Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.85 km (1.15 miles)
Approx. duration: Around 1 hour
From the cottages: Just a 10-minute stroll
This low-level riverside walk leads to Gelert’s Grave, one of Beddgelert’s most recognised landmarks. The path follows the River Glaslyn out of the village through flat meadowland — ideal for families, dogs, or anyone who simply wants a quiet hour outdoors.
According to local legend, the grave marks the resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn the Great. Llywelyn returned from hunting to find his baby missing and Gelert with a bloodied mouth. Believing the dog had killed his child, he slew Gelert — only to discover the baby alive nearby and a dead wolf that Gelert had bravely fought off. Overcome with grief, the prince is said never to have smiled again.
The story is now widely thought to be a Victorian invention designed to attract visitors, but the grave itself remains a genuinely moving spot — especially on a quiet morning before the day-trippers arrive.
“Try to get there early morning if you can — it’s a completely different experience before the day visitors arrive.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Full route details: Gelert’s Grave Easy Circular Walk
Medium: Aberglaslyn & Cwm Bychan Circular Walk
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 8.13 km (5.05 miles)
Approx. duration: 3–4 hours
From the cottages: About a 10-minute walk through woodland into the village
This is probably my most-recommended walk for guests who want a proper half-day out without anything too demanding underfoot. The route takes in the dramatic Aberglaslyn Gorge — one of the most photographed stretches of river in Wales — before climbing into the quieter, wilder Cwm Bychan Valley.
Starting from Beddgelert, the path follows the River Glaslyn through the narrow gorge before opening out into the valley above. The return route passes the historic Sygun Copper Mine — well worth a visit if you have children with you — before descending back into the village.
You get a real mix on this one: riverside paths with dramatic rock walls, open moorland, traces of industrial history, and the kind of quiet that’s hard to find anywhere closer to the road.
“The gorge is well worth seeing after heavy rain — the river comes alive and the whole place feels dramatic. Just make sure you’ve got boots with a decent grip.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Full route details: Aberglaslyn & Cwm Bychan Circular Walk
Hard: Moel Hebog Circular Route
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8.74 km (5.43 miles)
Approx. duration: 3–5 hours
From the cottages: Around a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive
For experienced walkers, Moel Hebog is a proper mountain day. The route is steep in places and includes a short scramble on the upper section, but the reward is extraordinary: 360-degree views across Snowdonia, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to the north-east, and the full sweep of the Llŷn Peninsula out to sea on a clear day.
The descent passes Moel yr Ogof (the Hill of the Cave), where Owain Glyndŵr is said to have sheltered while in hiding — a genuinely atmospheric spot that feels a long way from the tourist trail. The route finishes through Beddgelert Forest, a peaceful pine plantation that makes for a lovely final stretch back to the village.
“If you can do this one in May, do. The lower slopes of the mountain are covered in bluebells — it’s a really special start to the climb.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Full route details: Moel Hebog Circular Route
Before you head out
- Always check the weather — the Met Office mountain forecast for Snowdonia is the one to use
- Wear proper walking boots for the medium and hard routes; the riverside walk is fine in trail shoes
- Let someone know your plans if you’re heading into the hills
- The village has a café and a small shop — a good spot to pick up lunch before a longer day out
All three walks start from or very close to our self-catering holiday cottages in Beddgelert, which sit on the family farm above the village with views down the valley into Eryri (Snowdonia). If you’re staying with us and want a recommendation based on your group or the weather that week, just ask — it’s one of the things I’m always happy to help with.
About the author: Delyth Pyrs runs Perthi self-catering holiday cottages in Beddgelert, Eryri. Her family has farmed in the area for generations and she has walked these routes her whole life.
