Posted by mikeskerrett

Length of route:

7 km (4 mi)

Suitable for:

Walking, Cycling, Running

Details:

Park in Church Street which is near the pub and the Spar. Follow Church Street away from the pub and follow the road to your left. Opposite the small group of houses on your left is a forestry track - the walk starts here.

If the forest gate is locked there is small stile on the left, this track rises up the left side of the valley but as you gain height the views behind become stunning. There are views across the valley to crags, above which buzzards are regular visitors and Moel Siabod is seen towering above the village below.

Follow the forest road to a clearing and take in the first view of Carreg Alltrem on your left. When you reach the obvious fork take the left hand track and continue on to walk under the majestic cliffs at Carreg Alltrem. The cliff is popular haunt for climbers especially at weekends and the proximity of this track affords excellent views of their progress.

The views across the valley now extend to the waterfall as the route continues to gain height. The trail now leaves the shade of the forest and at a T junction near a number of waymarks turn sharp right to descend to the floor of the valley. Ahead are signs of habitation as Tyn-y-Cwm comes into view follow the track towards the cottage and cross over three small bridges (one of which has been damaged by floodwater but is easily passable).

Join the track at the front of the house and either go through the gates if open or use the stiles to continue onto the main road down the valley, Sarn Helen.

Follow the tarmac road back down towards the village passing some derelict buildings on your right then past Gwyndy farm also on your right.

Further along this track you will pass by the remains of a hose said to have been built in the late 15th century by Meredydd ap Ieuan after he left Dolwyddelan Castle, information boards at the site give full details.

From here carry on along the tarmaced road through two gates and down the hill into Maes-y-Braich this leads past the houses to a left turn back over the bridges you crossed at the start of this walk. Now simply follow Church St. back to your car or pop in the shop for a well earned cup of tea.