Wow, isn’t this good weather pretty amazing? The school holidays were absolutely bathed in sunshine, which as many previous visitors to Wales know, is pretty unusual!

So, we think that a wonderful way to make the most of our glorious Welsh summer is to head out and explore our lovely area with a walk. And this week’s walk takes us to the pretty town of Beddgelert – just a 20 minute or so drive from us here at the Oakeley Arms.

Beddgelert is best known for it’s legend – the story of the faithful dog Gelert. Gelert was slain in rage by his owner, Prince Llywelyn, who thought that the hound had murdered his baby son. Llywelyn was in fact mistaken – brave Gelert had defended the prince’s son from the jaws of a hungry wolf, but it was too late. In repentance, Prince Llywelyn buried his faithful dog in a grave by the river, which still stands today.

So, don your walking boots for an explore of this fascinating little vilalge with our Beautiful Beddgelert Walk….

Where:              Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Distance:          Approx 6 miles

Difficulty:          Difficult

Start:                Beddgelert village car park (by Royal Goat Hotel, southern part of the village). Postcode for sat nav is LL55 4YJ (approx)

Grid Ref:           SH 588 481

Maps:               OS Explorer OL 17: Snowdon

*Part of this walk involves a path alongside the river that can sometimes be perilous. Do not attempt this walk if there has been heavy rainfall and the river is high/fast. Take extreme care on slippery rocks and be extra vigilant if walking with dogs and/or children.

Directions:        1: Leave car park, go back to road and turn right. Pass TIC, then ice cream café. After Tanronnen pub, don’t go over bridge, but stay ahead along narrow road beside river passing gift shops. Just before footbridge turn right through gate and follow path by river.

                        2: Continue along riverside path (river on left) and through several gates for approx ½ mile. Cross new footbridge, then the railway and continue along the river path – with the river to your right now. Most of the path is sturdy, but occasionally it passes overhanging rocks and over narrow, slippery stones. Take care here!

                        3: At the end of the Aberglaslyn Pass, path veers upwards into the trees and just before road bridge, it heads left. Follow path then turn right downhill heading for car park (if you reach railway line you’ve gone too far).

4: At bottom of small hill, go left over stone stile but don’t go into car park. Instead, turn left under railway arch (signposted for Cwm Bychan). Head straight through picnic area and up rocky path. Follow upwards, eventually crossing stream and through small gap in wall. Path will level out onto valley floor with remnants of mining machinery mapping the path.

5: Keep ahead, aiming through two hills. After a steep uphill climb, cross a stile and onto summit, and continue on the path that leads ahead (don’t turn down to the left signed for Sygun, Beddgelert) – follow signs for Llyn Dinas.

6: Stay on path, then at lake edge, turn left along well-defined path and continue, to eventually reach gate into Copper Mine area. Go straight over road (unless visiting mine) and through another gate to follow path and signs for Beddgelert village.

7: Follow road past campsite, don’t deviate until you are almost at the main road. Turn left just before bridge at footpath sign. Follow path alongside river, then through gate bearing slightly right to another footpath between river and houses. Cross green then turn right over bridge and back onto road and into village.

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.