Aberglaslyn Gorge
By The Bald Scrambler
Short walks
Published By: Daniel Weadley. Updated: 10th October 2024. Filed at: Hiking Routes. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made via links. Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous, this route description does not provide step-by-step instructions – read disclaimer. Comments are open.
This is one of my favourite short walks as it takes in a stunning gorge and ends at the picturesque village of Beddgelert.
The route is linear (there and back) and is only 2.5km each way but can be extended into a longer 9km circular trek via a nearby lake and hillside.
I’ve taken several friends on this route and they’ve all enjoyed it.
See below for photos, map, route description and more.
My Favourite Scrambling Footwear:
Aberglaslyn Gorge Route Overview
Route length: 5km there and back.
Extended route length: 9km circular.
Time: ~1.5 hours (2.5 hrs for the extended route).
Classification: Countryside walk.
Start: Nantmor National Trust car park.
Dangers: Uneven ground and slippery surfaces.
Dog/family friendly? Yes, but there are some sections that could be dangerous (slippery) when wet (see photos below).
Also known as: Beddgelert Pass and Beddgelert Gorge.
My rating: 9/10 stars.
Parking For Aberglaslyn Gorge
There is limited parking Nantmor which is owned by the National Trust (Pay & Display but free for NT members).
Postcode: LL55 4YG (brings you to half a mile from the car park).
Grid Reference: SH597462.
There are a few spaces in the nearby layby (currently free).
Start of the Route
The river is only a short distance from the car park but there are some steps which can be slippery after rain.
The path is very uneven, rocky and I’ve found it can get a bit muddy after rain.
Immediately you are welcomed with stunning views of the river and surrounding areas.
Here are some photos I took between the car park and Beddgelert which is a leisurely 45 minute stroll upstream:
The start of the route
Water cascading down the rocky gorge
A photographer’s dream
This route is popular in the summer
Some sections require extra care, esp when wet
My Favourite Scrambling Book
Beddgelert
This village is only 2.5km from the starting point and here you can stop for a pint, a coffee or lunch and then head back the way you came, making this a fairly easy, short 5km walk, taking around 1.5 hours.
Or you can extend the route up to Llyn (lake) Dinas and back to the car park via a hilly walk which is often wet and slippery. I suggest boots rather than shoes after rain or out of the summer season.
Here is a map of the full extended circular route:
Beddgelert to Llyn Dinas and Back to the Car Park
This section runs parallel to the river and also the main road but does pass the Copper Mine which offers self-guided tours and is worth a visit if you have the time:
Copper Mine
Llyn Dinas behind me
The path back to the car park rises up the hillside with Llyn Dinas in view
Views from the highest point on the route. Snowdon and the Watkin Path are to the far left.
Snowdonia Hiking Guidebook:
The route ends back at the Nantmor National Trust car park and is around 9km long and takes about 2hrs 30mins or a bit longer if you take your time.
The highlight of the route is the gorge and I’ve found it a perfect “short walk” and is one I’ve completed with friends who had tired legs after going up Snowdon with me the day before.
Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
These Are Perfect for General Hiking:
About Daniel Weadley
These photos and route descriptions were created by Daniel Weadley, aka The Bald Scrambler and this page forms part of the Hiking Section.
From walking along beaches and kayaking down rivers to making his way up mountains and even jumping out of planes, Daniel has a love of the outdoors but scrambling is his real passion.
Daniel Weadley aka The Bald Scrambler
1 Comment
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I Never Go Out Without a Lightweight Packable Jacket:
Have fun, keep safe. Hopefully I’ll see you on the mountains one day
By The Bald Scrambler
I’m so pleased I’ve now discovered your website. So informative.
Thank you