Walk 2536 - printer friendly version

Llyn Crafnant, Capel Curig & Llyn Colwyd from Trefriw Walk

Author - Mike Bexley

Length - 13.0 miles / 21.1 km

Ascent - 2900 feet / 879 metres

Grade - mod/hard

Start - OS grid reference SH781630
Lat 53.150146 + Long -3.8242276
Postcode LL27 0RZ (approx. location only)

This is great walk using the old pass through the mountains connecting Trefriw to Capel Curig. The walk also depends on reservoir service roads, which make the walk much easier. At all times the views of the towering mountains are awesome and despite staying a low level you get a feeling of being "in the mountains".

From the Trefriw car park (grid ref. SH781630), opposite the large Woollen Mill, turn right over the narrow river bridge then turn left up the steep road opposite Fairy Fall Hotel. Keep on this narrow road for approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) until you reach Llyn Crafnant Reservoir (grid ref 754616). Cross over the river and through the gate to follow the bridleway on the right hand side of the reservoir. Do not go over any stiles until the track climbs to a corner. Here you descend left down a well worn path to a stile. Continue through some woods to pass some holiday cottages to reach the end of the road that comes up the other side of the reservoir (grid ref 740603).

Take the path ahead. This leads to a stile, turning right to follow a well defined path climbing up through the mountains to the left of Crimpiau. On reaching the brow Carnedd Moel-siabod dominates the skyline ahead. The path descends gradually to a concrete footbridge. Cross over the bridge and continue downhill away from the river through woods. Ignore the stiles on your left, which lead down to the road, instead continuing ahead to reach the A5 opposite the shops in Capel Curig.

Turn right along the busy A5. The first clearly signed footpath on the right is just after the corner and the house named Bron Heulog (which has no nameplate). Take this path and gradually climb up to Tal-y-waun, with its views of Tryfan up Ogwen valley. The path breaks up across the boggy moor but the direction is signposted to the bridge at the head of the impressive Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir (grid ref 717609).

Cross over the bridge and stile, turning right to follow the path on the left side (north side) of the Reservoir. Towards the end of this path it begins to climb. Start the climb with the path but turn right at the rocks walking along a wide path towards the dam.

On reaching the dam, descend down the dry side! Then walk away from the dam following the large pipe to the road that serves the farm on the left (grid ref 742642). Turn right through the five bar gate and walk up the single track road, which climbs out of the valley. At the top the views are of Llanrwst and in the distance the Denbigh Moors. Staying on the road you drop down to your start at Trefriw.

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