Walking & Hiking

The best walks starting from Betws-y-Coed

These are just some of the walks you can undertake from the centre of the village, so you don’t even need to drive anywhere!

Llyn Elsi

This idyllic mountain lake is hidden amidst the mixed fir and broadleaf woodlands of the Gwydyr Forest and lies high above Betws-y-Coed.

Head for the crescent around St Mary’s Church and take the forestry track at the back following the black/white foot way markers which are sporadically placed along the route.

The walk climbs steeply through the woods until you reach the lake.

If you turn right at the water towards the Ancaster Memorial you are rewarded with wide ranging mountain views of Eryri | Snowdonia.

Walking around the lake offers the opportunity to enjoy the abundant wildlife; in spring watch out for Canadian geese.

Riverside Walk

From Pont-y-Pair bridge follow the boardwalk along the river and through the trees until it terminates in a wooded dell.

Here you can choose to return back to the bridge on a lovely short and very pretty stroll suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and those unable to walk far.

Or from the end of the boardwalk you can pick up the track down to the river and walk along it through the meadows.

This leads to the Miners’ Bridge where you can cross over the river and return to the village on the A5 pavement. This round trip is approx. 3 miles and uneven in places.

The best walks starting from Trefriw

The pretty village of Trefriw, just 5 miles north of Betws-y-Coed, has the Trefriw Trails – a series of waymarked and interesting walking trails that all start from the village centre and explore the picturesque hills, lakes, rivers and waterfalls around it.

They vary in length from less than a mile to 5-6 miles so there is a trail for everybody!

Further afield into Eryri | Snowdonia

Being the gateway to Eryri | Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is but a whisper away from some of the most breathtaking walks and hikes in the UK.

For instance it is only 3 miles to Capel Curig where you can climb Moel Siabod, or take the historic track north towards Crimpiau, Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Cowlyd.

Or venture 6 miles west to the Ogwen Valley where you will find the challenging summits of Tryfan, Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, and the spectacular surroundings of Cwm Idwal where a moderately strenuous walk offers some of the most dramatic mountainous scenery in the UK.

Also just 6 miles away from Betws-y-Coed is Pen-y-Pass where the Miners and Pyg Tracks start for those wishing to ascend Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – the highest mountain in Wales and England.