4.5
(753)
5,199
hikers
44
hikes
Hiking around Llyn Trawsfynydd offers diverse landscapes within Snowdonia National Park, centered around a large man-made reservoir. The area features serene lakeside paths, rugged terrain of the Rhinog mountains to the west, and a mix of open moorland and woodlands. The landscape also incorporates historical and industrial elements, including a decommissioned power station and Roman fort ruins, providing varied natural and cultural settings for walks.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.3
(3)
8
hikers
20.6km
06:06
590m
590m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
17
hikers
11.1km
03:18
330m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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21
hikers
11.8km
03:24
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
5.04km
01:29
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(27)
160
hikers
8.59km
02:55
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cwmorthin Slate Quarry is an impressive area, a magical hanging industrial valley above Tan y Grisiau that highlights Wales' industrial heritage with its massive works and ruins. It was in operation between 1810 and 1939 and has five different underground levels which were serviced with extensive trackways and machinery. Many of the surface buildings, such as the slate mills, can still be seen. If you are a photographer, this is the place to come in the early summer light or the cold winter mist.
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The long abandoned Barracks and Mill buildings of Rhosydd Quarry in the Moelwyn mountains of North Wales on a changeable day last September. A break in the heavy cloud allowed a burst of sunlight through that lit up the shiny slate rubble to make it look a bit like water. The dark buildings stood out against the lower slopes of Foel Ddu.
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The spartan barracks at Rhosydd, a hard place to live and work, not far from the summit of a mountain.
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Car park gets full up top so park sensibly park close to next car gives more space for others. Don’t park in front of gate as this is used by farmer Go Below and mountain/cave rescue. More parking available at bottom of hill.
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one of the places to climb over the railway tracks that you pass when hiking along the route.
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Slate was mined here above and below ground from about 1830. The remote location proved difficult, and a series of financial troubles hampered the quarry. It shut during WW1 and reopened afterwards until finally closing in 1948. At it's peak, this was the second-largest underground slate mine in North Wales. Today you can explore the spoil and some of the old machinery.
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No haute cuisine, but coffee and delicious cakes and rustic soups and other dishes. Very good after the strenuous hike.
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Impressive, the many building ruins and the huge waste heaps
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There are over 45 hiking routes around Llyn Trawsfynydd that are accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. This includes 14 easy, 27 moderate, and 4 difficult trails.
Yes, Llyn Trawsfynydd offers several easy trails perfect for beginners or families, many starting conveniently near bus stops. An excellent option is the Waterfall in Coed Hafod-y-Llyn – Llyn Mair loop from Plas Halt, which is an easy 5 km route with minimal elevation gain.
Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible routes around Llyn Trawsfynydd are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. For example, the Coed Tŷ-coch Stream – Ffestiniog Railway Trail loop from Plas Halt is a moderate 11 km circular hike offering varied scenery.
The trails around Llyn Trawsfynydd offer diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths and open moorland to ancient woodlands. You can also encounter unique attractions such as the impressive Maentwrog Dam, the vast Llyn Trawsfynydd reservoir itself, and the distinctive Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station, which adds a unique character to the scenery.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the region offers more demanding trails. The Llyn Hafod-y-Llyn – Waterfall in Coed Hafod-y-Llyn loop from Plas Halt is a difficult 20.7 km route with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience with stunning views.
Many trails around Llyn Trawsfynydd are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas. The varied terrain, from lakeside paths to woodlands, offers plenty for your canine companion to enjoy.
The best seasons for hiking around Llyn Trawsfynydd are spring (March-May) for blooming flowers and mild temperatures, and autumn (September-November) for vibrant foliage. These periods generally offer pleasant weather conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes.
Llyn Trawsfynydd is a haven for nature lovers and offers opportunities for birdwatching due to the diversity of birds in the region. The mix of open moorland and woodlands also supports various animal species, making wildlife spotting a common occurrence.
The duration of hikes varies greatly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Easy walks, like the 5.5 km loop from Maentwrog, can take around 1 hour 30 minutes. Moderate trails, such as the Cwmorthin Lakeside Café – Ffestiniog Railway Trail loop from Plas Halt (11.8 km), typically take about 3 hours 25 minutes. More challenging routes can take significantly longer.
The bus-accessible trails around Llyn Trawsfynydd are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 680 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, the tranquility of the lakeside paths, and the well-maintained footpaths and cycleways.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can incorporate fascinating archaeological sites into your hikes, such as the Tomen y Mur Roman Fort ruins, which showcase Wales' rich past. The landscape also reflects its industrial heritage, including the decommissioned Trawsfynydd power station.


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