Walks

Explore the hidden valley of Cwm Mynach with this free walk.

There are two parts to this walk which starts and finishes in the Fiddler’s Elbow lay-by (Snowdonia National Park picnic area) on the A496 Dolgellau to Barmouth road, just on the eastern outskirts of the village of Bontddu.

The first part of the walk takes you from the layby to the valley of Cwm Mynach following footpaths, tarmac roads, and rocky paths. This walk offers great views of the eastern side of Cwm Mynach and superb views of Cadair Idris, Dolgellau and the Mawddach estuary.

As you reach the valley you can either return back to the layby, enjoy a short stroll into the valley or continue to enjoy a circular route around Cwm Mynach for amazing views of the craggy far side of the valley, and eventually glimpses of Llyn Cwm Mynach, the lake at the head of the valley.

Please were suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for hill walking.  Please keep your dog under close control and on a lead wherever animals may be grazing.

Route between lay-by and Cwm Mynach: Length - 1½ miles; Time - 1¼ hours (up) / ¾ hour (down); Ascent / descent - 160 metres

Route around Cwm Mynach: Length - 5 miles; Time – 2½ hours; Ascent / descent - 170 metres

Relevant map - Ordnance Survey Explorer OL18: Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala

This walk and can also be combined with longer alternative walk back down to Bontddu via the Clogau gold mines, described on the Snowdonia National Park website, but the route description would need to be followed in reverse from the vicinity of Garth Gell farm.