Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu Walk Through the Forest

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Difficulty: Easy

Length: 8.45 km (5.25 miles)

Approx. duration: 2:30-3:30hrs

Parking: Paid (Google Maps)

Dogs: Yes – On lead near livestock

From Perthi Holiday Cottages: 10-minute walk

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You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a gentle, easy-to-follow walk through Beddgelert Forest along Lon Gwyrfai, with gradual climbing, woodland and some lovely mountain views.

The great thing about this walk is that you don’t have to walk back the way you came. The Sherpa bus runs between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert, making this a great one-way walk with the bus back to your starting point. You can also walk there and back, or take the bus to Rhyd Ddu first and walk back to Beddgelert, which is mostly a gradual downhill journey.

Beddgelert Forest is part of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate and is managed by Natural Resources Wales. The woodland paths provide a peaceful route between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu, with the walk crossing and following sections of the Welsh Highland Railway along the way.

As the forest opens out, you reach Llyn y Gadair and follow the lake, with lovely views towards Yr Wyddfa across the water.

In Rhyd Ddu, the traditional Cwellyn Arms makes a lovely place to finish. It has a welcoming atmosphere, an open fire and friendly staff, with good food as well as a lighter sandwich menu. The outdoor seating and views towards Yr Wyddfa make it particularly appealing in summer.

“We’ve eaten at the Cwellyn Arms ourselves and really enjoyed it. It’s a lovely, privately owned traditional pub with plenty of character and charm, and a great place to finish this walk.” — 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.

Parking is available next to the start of the walk, beside Beddgelert Welsh Highland Railway station. The walk begins just beneath the railway station, with the route well signposted and blue waymarkers to follow from the start.
Follow the easy path until you reach two gates. Turn left through the gates and follow the private track uphill towards Moel Hebog. At the top of the track, look out for a signpost pointing towards Rhyd Ddu. Turn right here and follow the sign towards Rhyd Ddu (pictured).
Continue towards Rhyd Ddu with Moel Hebog on your left. Before entering the forest, cross the bridge over the river and continue along the wide, open forest track. Keep following the blue waymarkers. As shown in the photo below, there are two options at this point. Normally, you would take the track uphill to the left and continue along the original route. However, there is currently a diversion in place (9/2026) For the diversion, turn right and cross the Welsh Highland Railway tracks, then immediately turn left and cross back over the tracks. Continue uphill along the forest track, keeping left at the first fork, until you rejoin the original path towards Rhyd Ddu.
Continue following the blue waymarkers and Rhyd Ddu signposts until you reach the other side of the forest, where you’ll arrive beside the main road (pictured). Turn left here and follow the track back into the forest, continuing uphill. Take the first turning to the right, following the sign towards Rhyd Ddu.
Continue along the path as the woodland opens up, with the lake on your right. Follow the raised walkway along the edge of the lake and continue to the other side. At the far end of the lake, you’ll come to a fork in the path. Do not take the path to the left (pictured); instead, continue straight ahead towards Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). When you reach the main road, cross carefully and continue into the car park.
Do not follow the main road towards the pub. Instead, pass the toilet block (pictured) in the car park and follow the path down into the village, continuing through the far end of the car park. Once you reach the road, turn right along it for a short distance and you’ll soon arrive at the pub. The bus stop back to Beddgelert isn’t signposted—it’s directly opposite the stop for buses travelling in the other direction.

17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert

Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews

Ty Hebog historical barn conversion exterior at Perthi in Beddgelert Cosy log burner interior at Ty Hebog cottage Luxury king size bedroom with original historic character at Ty Felin water mill

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.