Walking
The best way to experience what makes Eryri (Snowdonia) so special is to explore the miles of paths and walks across the park. Walkers are spoilt for choice, with all grades of walks available from the flat to the perpendicular. At Gwrach Ynys we have a large selection of walking books and maps of our favourite walks and as keen walkers ourselves we are always available to advise you on routes, access etc.
From our house you can walk up a nearby hill, which has panoramic views over the surrounding area, and links up to a path, which will take you down to the estuary. There is a selection of paths above Harlech with breathtaking views over the castle to the sea and beyond.
Nearby, the Rhinogydd, less well known and more remote than mountains to the north of the Snowdonia National Park, such as the Glyderau, Carneddau and the Snowdon massif itself. offer some of the toughest rambling in Snowdonia, a thrill for the more adventurous hillwalker who enjoys an off the beaten track experience.
Nearby, the Rhinogydd, less well known and more remote than mountains to the north of the Snowdonia National Park, such as the Glyderau, Carneddau and the Snowdon massif itself. offer some of the toughest rambling in Snowdonia, a thrill for the more adventurous hillwalker who enjoys an off the beaten track experience.
Snowdon itself, half an hour away by car, will always be popular, it’s a big mountain with many different paths to the summit. The Glyderau and Carneddau are hours’ drive away. Closer to home the Cnicht, sometimes called the Welsh Matterhorn, is a short steep scramble, and Cader Idris, a half hour to the south is a tough climb with stupendous views over the whole sweep of the Cardigan Bay.
For everything you need to know about walking up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) see Snowdonia Info.
An excellent selection of walks in Snowdonia see the National Park website.
Wales has a 1,400km (870 miles) long walking path that goes around its entire coastline. The route is all clearly marked and well maintained. The whole route has been divided up into sections and you may wish to enjoy walking a small part of the path during your visit. There’s stunning scenery around every corner with a glorious view across the sea along the way.
The Coastal Path from Porthmadog to Harlech is a leisurely days’ walk. Starting at Porthmadog along the Cob, the walk visits the famous village of Portmeirion, continues through Penrhyndeudraeth along the Bont Briwet crossing the river Dwyryd to Llandecwyn. Onwards the path follows the seawall that fronts the Glastraeth sea marsh. In the estuary you’ll spot the island of Ynys Gifftain, although it does have a right of way it is not advisable to attempt to cross the tidal estuary. Past the hamlet of Ynys, – Welsh for island the path heads inland across Morfa Harlech. Gwrach Ynys is situated on Morfa Harlech about 10 minutes’ walk from the coastal path. Harlech Castle can be clearly seen ahead, dominating the hill on which it’s built and a clearly strategic position. From Lower Harlech, the coast path heads towards Harlech’s sandy beach and southwards along the shore to cliff where it becomes too rocky to follow and a higher level road route is taken to Llandanwg. Note that the view after the climb up Allt-y-mor from Harlech Beach is one of the classic views on this part of the coast.