My main aim for 2018 is to get outside more. So with that in mind, I’ve been planning my Snowdonia walks bucket list for 2018! Some of these are very short walks which I want to do with the girls and the dogs. Some are more long haul walks which I intend on doing without them. Anyway, here’s the list!
Snowdonia Slate Trail
(The Snowdonia Slate Trail takes you through this beautiful landscape – Cwmorthin above Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog)
Top of the Snowdonia walks bucket list for 2018 is the Snowdonia Slate Trail. It’s an 85 mile circular route which takes you through the amazing slate industry landscape. Starting from Porth Penrhyn in Bangor, it will take us through Bethesda, Capel Curig, Betws Y Coed, Penmachno, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Croesor, Beddgelert, Rhyd Ddu, Nantlle, Waunfawr and Llanberis. It’s possible to do this walk in one week but there is no way I will do that! So little bits at a time in the hope it doesn’t kill me!
Llyn Mair
This one of the easier walks on my list. Llyn Mair is just above Plas Tan Y Bwlch near Maentwrog. There are numerous walks around the area including a circular one around the lower lake. It’s this one that I hope to do with the girls. I have many fond memories of walks at this lake as a child. It was the place we would go for picnics and afternoon walks. The photo above is just one of the many dozens of photos taken at Llyn Mair. Something I hope to do with my own girls.
Lon Eifion
This is a 12 mile walk from Caernarfon to Bryncir. It goes along the old railway line and is therefore a relatively flat surface. We have started this one already and have walked the first part which takes you from Caernarfon to Llanwnda. As we did it in two stints (Caernarfon to Bontnewydd and Bontnewydd to Llanwnda), we have technically walked it twice!
Ynys Llanddwyn
Whilst the name suggests it’s an island but only at high tides. So it is possible to walk to Ynys Llanddwyn. I’ve been there once when I was a child. (I used to do a lot of walks with Taid, Dad and the dog.) Legend has it that this is where Santes Dwynwen (the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine) lived.
Snowdon
I’m ashamed to admit that I have never been to the summit of Snowdon. I’ve been 3/4 way up by train but never to the top. As much as I want to get to the top, I’m thinking that going via train is a cop out! So I’m aiming to walk to the top of Snowdon. David from Potty Adventures has kindly offered to guide us so I’ll take him up on that offer! But first, I will need to invest in some proper climbing gear!
Aber Falls
Speaking of Potty Adventures, they have organised a walk to Aber Falls on March 18th which I fully intend on joining. I have never been to Aber Falls but I’m seeing more and more photos of the place and it looks incredible! I can’t believe that I never even knew about Aber Falls never mind going there! This is a must see addition to my Snowdonia walks bucket list.
If we manage to do all these walks, then it’s going to be an amazing achievement for us!
Aww, they all sound amazing. I’ve let go of my idea to climb Snowdon. Somehow I don’t feel prepared for it.
Well if ever you want to join us on any of the others you’re more than welcome to. I’m leaving Snowdon for a few months so I get walking again
I climbed Snowdon for the first time last year… I cried and complained all the way (despite taking the “easiest” route) but it’s an amazing achievement!