Crafnant View Walk

This is a waymarked loop, and the 2.9 miles quoted here is the complete circuit (4.8 km on the official signage). It starts at the Llyn Crafnant car park, follows the lake shore, climbs to a viewpoint on the shoulder of Mynydd Deulyn, then returns on forestry tracks. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The opening stretch runs beside Llyn Crafnant with forest on either side, then the path gains height to a viewpoint that opens out over the Crafnant Valley. Benches and resting posts are spaced along the way if you want to break the climb or sit with the view.

The route carries an official strenuous grade, with about 217 m of ascent. From a start near 164 m the route reaches roughly 320 m on the shoulder, with some intermediate dips along the way, before descending to the lake.

Surfaces change often: forest roads and a section of tarmac road, plus a steep narrow footpath under 80 cm wide with unmade, uneven ground, mud, rocks and tree roots. Waymarking guides the loop, and you pass through a kissing gate and a barrier gap. Two small fords cross the route, so expect wet feet or careful stepping after rain.

The car park sits about 4 miles west of Llanrwst: take the B5106 to Trefriw, then the minor road opposite the pub for 2 miles, reaching the parking area before the lake. Grid reference SH 756 618. The LL27 0JZ postcode covers a wide area, so use the grid reference or road directions rather than relying on satnav alone.

Parking is free and includes Blue Badge spaces, with accessible toilets and a privately owned cafe on site. Four picnic benches sit on the separate Afon Crafnant Amble rather than on this loop.

Dogs may be walked on public footpaths and open access land in Eryri. Keep your dog under close control, and on a lead near livestock.