Llyn Llywelyn Walk

A waymarked circular walk of 2.7 miles (4.4 km) from the forest car park up to Llyn Llywelyn and back down through the trees. Allow around 2.5 hours, with roughly 443 ft (135 m) of climbing. Graded moderate.

From the car park the route works its way gradually uphill on forest roads, opening out to views across the forest to Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon before reaching the secluded reservoir. The lake is the payoff: quiet, tucked into the plantation, and worth a proper stop. The return leg loops back down through the forest to the start. Picnic tables sit along the way if you want to make a slow morning of it.

Nearly all of the loop follows wide forest road, with three short linking sections of track about 1.5 m wide. One of those short tracks, on the gradual climb to the lake, can get muddy. On the descent back to the car park there is a 40 m stretch of rough, uneven cobbles that needs care underfoot. Sturdy shoes are the sensible choice.

The route crosses the railway twice, and both crossings use manual gates. Open them, cross with attention, and close them behind you.

Start from Beddgelert Forest car park, OS grid reference SH 574 503, about two miles north of Beddgelert. Approach from the A4085 and follow a half mile of forest track to the parking area. Parking is free, and overnight parking is not permitted.

The managing agency describes this route as suitable for people using adaptive equipment. That is not the same as fully wheelchair accessible: expect the narrow track sections, the muddy patch and the cobbled stretch, and judge against your own kit and confidence.

Llyn Gwyrfai nearby is a separate multi-use trail rather than part of this loop, so check which one you are following at the signs before you set off.