Roam Free with M&G

Gear up for a mountain adventure! The Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan, and Llyn Dinas hike is a spectacular route in Snowdonia. Beginning and ending at Craflwyn, this walk guides you through the breathtaking Nant Gwynant valley. You’ll encounter wild heather, explore the lower slopes of Snowdon, admire the beautiful waterfalls of Afon Cwm Llan, and enjoy the scenic Llyn Dinas lake.

Since only parts of this route is marked, make sure you bring a map and compass, check the weather before you head ou. Be aware that the route passes through several farms, so encountering livestock is likely.

Begin your hike at the Craflwyn National Trust car park and take the footpath leading through the woodland. When you reach the fork in the path, follow the black arrow waymarker to the right. Walk past the dragon bench, and then ascend the steps with a small waterfall on your left. At the top of the steps, follow the path to the right, through birch trees and into a clearing. Keep moving forward, following the black arrows and ignoring the two paths that lead to the right.

Pause to take in the views of Sygun Copper Mine directly ahead from the Giant’s Chair on your right. Then, continue to the left and climb up some steps, ignoring the stile on your right. Follow the winding path upwards, crossing a small stile over a fence, and head towards the ffridd. Proceed east towards Bylchau Terfyn. Cross another stile at the wall and keep following the black waymarkers. When you reach a bridge near an old ruin, turn left onto a track and keep heading upwards.

At the next ruin, turn left once more. Continue along the path until you reach another stile over a wall. Follow the waymarkers downhill towards the Watkin Path. When you reach the track (the Watkin Path), turn right and descend the lower slopes of Wales’ highest peak, Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon. Note that the black waymarkers end here. The impressive Afon Cwm Llan waterfalls will be on your left, and the final stretch of the Watkin Path takes you through the beautiful ancient oak woodlands of Parc Hafod y Llan.

At the bottom of the track, turn right onto a lane and then right again at the main road. After passing Caffi Gwynant, take the next left turn and cross the River Glaslyn. Then take the first right, signposted Llyndy Isaf Farm. Follow the track past the farm and walk along the shores of Llyn Dinas, passing through several gates. At the end of the lake, continue straight ahead and go through a gate, following the Glaslyn downstream towards Beddgelert. Continue on the path until you reach the old Sygun Copper Mines. From there, take the right towards the main road. At the road, turn left and continue along it until you reach Craflwyn on your right just where you started.

Things to know before you go:

Distance: 11km Duration: 3-4hrs depending on your fitness level. Difficulty: Moderate. Expect steep, rocky, uneven paths with loose stones, rocky steps, wet and muddy sections, and several stiles. What to bring & wear: Prepare with sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, make sure you check the weather and bring a map. And, as always, bring water, snacks and sun protection.

Wrapping up this wonderful hike through the Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan, and Llyn Dinas route, you’ll fee amazed by the beauty of Snowdonia. From the vibrant heather under Yr Aran to the enchanting oak woodlands of Parc Hafod y Llan, every moment has been special.

Share your stories and photos in the comments below—I’d love to hear all about your journey! If you have any favourite hiking spots or tips, do share those too.