Fisherman’s Path and Cwm Bychan

A circular walk of 10 km (6.2 miles) starting and finishing at the Eryri National Park Car Park in Beddgelert, allowing about 5 hours. It is rated hard and strenuous, and the official guidance is for experienced country walkers with good fitness rather than for people new to hill walking.

From the village you pass Gelert's Grave, then follow the riverside path beside the Glaslyn into the wooded Aberglaslyn gorge on the Fisherman's Path. The route then climbs into Cwm Bychan, past old copper-mine workings and the remains of former ropeway pylons, before descending to Llyn Dinas and returning via the Sygun Copper Mine area and Beddgelert to the car park.

Expect steep hills, rough uneven ground, stone steps, gates and stiles, and a steep descent later in the loop. The gorge section is narrow and can be slippery, with rock close to the river, and some short scrambling may be involved. There are footbridge and railway crossings, so stop, look and cross carefully, and keep children and dogs close at those points.

Navigation is essential; the paths are not always obvious and some junctions need care, so carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Wear proper hillwalking footwear and clothing, and be ready to turn back if conditions are worse than expected. Wet rock in the gorge calls for extra care, and in winter specialist winter equipment may be needed and daylight is short, so start early.

The gorge is shaded and enclosed, with the river alongside for much of the lower section, while the higher ground opens out with views toward Cnicht, the Moelwynion, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and Moel Siabod. Soft light early or late in the day suits the open views, while overcast conditions give lower contrast in the gorge. Allow extra time if you plan to stop often, since 5 hours assumes steady walking.

The damp, wooded gorge is notable for ferns, mosses and liverworts. Waterbirds and other river wildlife are sometimes seen along the Glaslyn, though nothing is guaranteed. Please leave plants and mining remains as you find them.

Start from the designated Eryri National Park Car Park in Beddgelert. Keep to public paths, respect gates and railway crossings, and do not block entrances or field access. Dogs are allowed on public footpaths under close control; a lead is advisable near livestock, wildlife and the railway, and all mess must be picked up and taken away. The narrow gorge path and any scrambling will not suit every dog or every walker.

If you want the river and gorge scenery without the strenuous climb into Cwm Bychan, the shorter Aberglaslyn gorge walk covers the riverside and gorge in less time and with less effort.