Afon Llugwy Riverside Walk

A circular loop of 2.5 km / 1.5 miles, allow 1 to 1.5 hours, with about 68 m of climb and a Moderate grade. It starts from the welcome panel near the Pont y Pair pay-and-display car park in Betws-y-coed. Mapped GPS lines for the corridor can come out nearer 2.8 km, which is a difference in measuring convention rather than a different route.

From the Pont y Pair access the path runs upstream beside the Afon Llugwy, first under tall Douglas firs, then out across an open flood plain with views to the surrounding hills and forests. Two narrow metal kissing gates take you through the grassy field, and there is a picnic site at the woodland edge if you want a stop before the turn.

The turning point is the historic Miners' Bridge, with a bench nearby and an interpretation panel that explains the bridge's history and how it got its name. The return leg is on tarmac road and pavement back to the car park, so the second half is quicker and less interesting underfoot than the first.

Moderate here means uneven rather than steep. Expect:

Sensible footwear makes a real difference, and the root-covered stretches need attention if you are walking with children.

• Boardwalk and flat grass tracks in places
• A narrow footpath, under 80 cm wide in sections
• Mud, large rocks, and many exposed tree roots

After heavy rain the Afon Llugwy can spill across the path in the open ground outside the woods. If the path is flooded, do not attempt the route.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on short leads. The Pont y Pair car park is run by Conwy County Borough Council and there is a parking charge; toilets are at the car park.

If the roots, mud and narrow path sound like too much, the Coed Tan Dinas Walk is an easier 1.2 km / 0.7 mile boardwalk stroll among giant Douglas firs beside the same river.