Roam Free with M&G

If you’re looking for an amazing hike with stunning views and a bit of history, the Aberglaslyn and Llyn Dinas circuit in Snowdonia National Park is perfect for you. This hike will take you through beautiful gorges, along a sparkling river, and around a peaceful lake. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a nice day out in nature, this trail will impress you. So grab your boots and let’s get ready for a fantastic journey through one of Wales’ hidden treasures. Let’s go!

You start this hike at the small National Trust Car Park (Pay and display) in Nantmor. Start the trail by passing through a gate near the toilet block and turn right to walk under the Welsh Highland Railway. Continue ahead to a path which makes it way up the little valley of Cwm Bychan. Follow the path through the woods and you will come to a stream on your right. Continue following the obvious stoney/dirt path till you reach a bench near a stoned wall, there’s a gap in the wall to the right. This path continues up the valley passing numerous remains from mining in the area and rusting supports of an old cableway.

Ignoring the valley path on the left continue following the path straight ahead, there will be a few areas with rock piles, climb over and follow the path until you reach a stile over a fence. After you cross over turn left and follow the path to a junction where you will find a signpost. Turn right and follow the path down hill towards Llyn Dinas. Just above the lake, the path becomes steeper and winds its way down to the water’s edge in a series of zig zags. Along the way you will notice the beautiful pink and orange heather adding colour to the valley.

When you reach the lake turn left and pass through a kissing gate, follow the paved path beside the river with Dinas Emrys ahead. Keep walking past the hole in the wall and continue to follow the path, you’ll soon pass a stone built house on the left and eventually join the road to ‘Sygun Copper’ (Copper Mine). Bear left with the road and keep ahead ignoring the left fork to the car park. Immediately after passing through a gap in the wall turn right onto a footpath which runs beside the wall. The path eventually joins a narrow tarmac lane.

Turn right and walk along the lane, passing a campsite on the right, until it bends right over the river. Continue to follow the path keeping the river to your right. Do not cross the river, instead, when you arrive at a fork in the road turn left and keep beside the river on the good footpath. At the Welsh Highland Railway, (about 1km) cross the level crossing and follow the footpath beside the river. Continue on the path following along with the railway. This is a lovely and peaceful part of the walk, you have the river to your right and the railway to your left. Follow the rocky path along the river and watch your footing as the path tends to get a bit narrow in areas.

As you emerge out of the gorge at Aberglaslyn, do not go through the kissing gate onto the road. Instead, turn left and follow the woodland path back to the car park in Nantmor to complete your walk.

Things to know before you go:

This is a moderate hike with good paths throughout with a few rocky areas that you will need to climb across. Distance: 9km Duration: Allow 3-4hrs. We did it in about 3hrs 20min. Parking: There is a small paid National Trust carpark (£4.00 or free with membership) Gear: Decent hiking boots and, depending on what time of year you do this hike, layers are best for cooler weather.

This trail offers a memorable and enriching experience for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re there to soak in the scenery, capture stunning photographs, or simply enjoy a refreshing walk, this hike is sure to leave you with a sense of fulfillment and a deep appreciation for the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Have you explored this enchanting Welsh trail before? If so, I’d love to hear about your adventure! Feel free to share your thoughts, stories, or any tips you have for fellow hikers in the comments below.