Aberglaslyn, Bryn Du and Beddgelert Walk

A circular route of 3.5 miles (5.6 km) through the Glaslyn valley, starting and finishing at the car park at Nantmor. That figure is the full loop back to your car, not a one way distance. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, and expect a graded challenging walk rather than a gentle stroll.

Eight short stages link woodland, open hillside and riverside:

• Leave the car park through the gate signed toward Aberglaslyn and drop down to the River Glaslyn, then pass a kissing gate and cross the road bridge.
• Follow the road briefly to the Coed Aberglaslyn sign, take the footpath to the stream and climb steps up through the trees.
• Cross a stile onto Bryn Du, where an optional detour leads to a small hilltop tower.
• Descend through a gate beside a ruined building with a fallen tree, cross a stile and field, then cross the railway and road and continue on a track through a small wooden gate.
• Visit Gelert's grave and sculpture, carry on into Beddgelert, cross the bridge and follow the river downstream before turning up into woodland back to the car park.

The climb starts early and steeply, so warm up before you set off. Underfoot you will meet woodland paths, flights of steps, uneven and rough ground on the open hillside, and stiles. Those features call for a reasonable degree of mobility. There is a short section along the main road, plus a railway crossing and road crossings, so keep children close and stay alert at those points. Walking boots with grip are sensible.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control throughout, particularly on the field and hillside sections where livestock may be grazing, and along the road and railway crossings.

Use the car park at Aberglaslyn in Nantmor, LL55 4YG, with toilets on site. Sat-nav often directs drivers to Nantmor village about 0.6 miles away instead of the car park itself, so it helps to know the final approach: from Beddgelert take the A498 toward Porthmadog, turn left over the River Glaslyn onto the A4085 toward Penrhyndeudraeth, and after about 0.2 miles turn left into the car park.

From the same area, the Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan circuit covers 5.7 miles (9.12 km) and is also graded challenging, a good choice if 3.5 miles feels too short.