Snowdonia Slate Trail

From Bangor to Bethesda

Snowdonia Slate Trail

From Bangor to Bethesda

Dinorwig Quarry 880 © RCAHMW AP_2015_3391

Holiday Details

Itinerary

6 Nights and 5 Walking Days (Demanding/Strenuous):

  • Day 1: Bangor to Llanberis
    Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
    Ascent: 2024 ft (617 m)
    Starting your adventure in Bangor, you’ll head towards Llanberis, passing by the famous slate quarries of the region. The path weaves through hilly terrains, offering spectacular views of Snowdon and its surrounding mountains. Llanberis, nestled at the foot of Snowdon, is a quaint village rich in mountaineering history.

  • Day 2: Llanberis to Beddgelert
    Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
    Ascent: 2825 ft (861 m)
    From Llanberis, the trail follows challenging inclines, taking you over mountain passes and through the wild landscape to Beddgelert. This picturesque village is located in the midst of Snowdonia and offers a peaceful riverside setting.

  • Day 3: Beddgelert to Llan Ffestiniog
    Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
    Ascent: 3074 ft (937 m)
    This segment covers steep ascents as you move towards the slate village of Llan Ffestiniog, which lies in the heart of the slate mining area. Expect rugged landscapes as you navigate past old quarries and experience the cultural history of Wales.

  • Day 4: Llan Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed
    Distance: 18.5 miles (29.5 km)
    Ascent: 2946 ft (898 m)
    The journey continues to the scenic town of Betws-y-Coed, a gateway to Snowdonia with lovely wooded areas, waterfalls, and charming stone bridges.

  • Day 5: Betws-y-Coed to Bethesda
    Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
    Ascent: 2093 ft (638 m)
    On the final walking day, you’ll trek towards Bethesda, passing through quiet valleys and historic slate workings. This day offers a combination of peaceful rural landscapes and steep climbs.

  • Finish: Depart from Bethesda after breakfast.

7 Nights and 6 Walking Days (Demanding):

  • Day 1: Bangor to Llanberis
    Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
    Ascent: 2024 ft (617 m)
    Similar to the 6-night itinerary, you begin in Bangor and head towards Llanberis, crossing scenic landscapes dotted with slate quarries and mountain views.

  • Day 2: Llanberis to Rhyd Ddu
    Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
    Ascent: 2415 ft (736 m)
    From Llanberis, the path leads to Rhyd Ddu, offering splendid views of Snowdonia’s quieter, lesser-traveled paths. This is a more secluded segment of the trail, ideal for those seeking solitude amidst nature.

  • Day 3: Rhyd Ddu to Blaenau Ffestiniog
    Distance: 16.5 miles (26 km)
    Ascent: 2812 ft (857 m)
    Continue through remote and rugged landscapes to the former slate capital, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The ascent to Blaenau is steep but rewarding with views of historic slate quarries and mines.

  • Day 4: Blaenau Ffestiniog to Penmachno
    Distance: 16.5 miles (26.5 km)
    Ascent: 3084 ft (940 m)
    This day covers remote upland terrain with steep inclines as you head towards Penmachno, a tranquil village surrounded by forest.

  • Day 5: Penmachno to Capel Curig
    Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
    Ascent: 1677 ft (511 m)
    A more moderate day of walking, taking you along serene rivers and forests to the small village of Capel Curig, known for its outdoor adventure scene.

  • Day 6: Capel Curig to Bethesda
    Distance: 11 miles (17.5 km)
    Ascent: 876 ft (267 m)
    Finish your journey with a gentle descent towards Bethesda, nestled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

  • Finish: Depart from Bethesda after breakfast.

8 Nights and 7 Walking Days (Moderate/Demanding):

  • Day 1: Bangor to Llanberis
    Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
    Ascent: 2024 ft (617 m)
    Begin the adventure in Bangor and head to Llanberis, following scenic paths with incredible mountain views.

  • Day 2: Llanberis to Y Fron/Cesarea
    Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5 km)
    Ascent: 1732 ft (528 m)
    This is a shorter day, offering a mix of gentle paths and moderate climbs towards Y Fron and Cesarea, with stunning views of the valleys below.

  • Day 3: Y Fron/Cesarea to Beddgelert
    Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
    Ascent: 1063 ft (324 m)
    Walk through the beautiful Welsh countryside, moving toward the scenic village of Beddgelert.

  • Day 4: Beddgelert to Llan Ffestiniog
    Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
    Ascent: 3074 ft (937 m)
    This part of the trail features more challenging ascents through slate mining areas, offering some of the best views of the Snowdonia landscape.

  • Day 5: Llan Ffestiniog to Penmachno
    Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
    Ascent: 2444 ft (745 m)
    A more remote leg of the journey, leading you to Penmachno, a quiet village surrounded by forested hills.

  • Day 6: Penmachno to Capel Curig
    Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
    Ascent: 1677 ft (511 m)
    This moderate section takes you along rivers and through lush valleys to Capel Curig.

  • Day 7: Capel Curig to Bethesda
    Distance: 11 miles (17.5 km)
    Ascent: 876 ft (267 m)
    The final day is a steady descent, offering more tranquil landscapes as you make your way to Bethesda.

  • Finish: Depart from Bethesda after breakfast.

 
 
 
 

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