8-day Snowdonia Way itinerary

1. Day 1

   Machynlleth to Dolgellau

   7–8 h 15.2 mi (24.4 km)

   Still a proper opening, even though later days are shorter. The slate of Corris and Aberllefenni sits in the forest, Aberllefenni the quieter of the two. Cadair Idris shows while you contour its flank, and that shoulder is the highest ground on the low route. Woodland brings you down to a town with shops for the evening.

   Example stay Royal Ship, Dolgellau (opens in a new tab)

2. Day 2

   Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd

   6–7 h 13.9 mi (22.4 km)

   The northern cliffs of Cadair Idris stay in view on the climb, so take care on the Mawddach hillside. The path clings to the slope above the river and the woods, and the narrow line is easy to miss. Once across the water, the tracks in Coed y Brenin let you look up at the hills. The moor above the lake is the descent to the night.

   Example stay Llety Glyndwr - Bunkhouse

3. Day 3

   Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth

   4–5 h 9.7 mi (15.6 km)

   The night by the water is what gives the gorge its own morning. The road beside the A470 is a short start, then woodland into the Vale of Ffestiniog. That valley sits between the two halves of Eryri, and you can see out to sea as it opens. The sandy estuary of the Dwyryd spreads out at the village. Leave the rock shelf for tomorrow.

   Example stay Wenallt (opens in a new tab)

4. Day 4

   Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert

   4–5 h 9.3 mi (14.9 km)

   You start beside the estuary and finish under Yr Wyddfa, and the gorge is why the day stays short. Forest rises into the Moelwyn foothills, Cnicht to the east and the sea to the west. The Pass of Aberglaslyn is a narrow shelf above the river. Give wet rock the time it asks, with the village just beyond the shade.

   Example stay Sygun Fawr Hotel (opens in a new tab)

5. Day 5

   Beddgelert to Dolwyddelan

   5–6 h 12.2 mi (19.6 km)

   Yesterday's gorge is done, so this climb starts on better legs. The morning stays with the river, Dinas Emrys on the bank and Yr Wyddfa filling the valley. After Bwlch y Rhediad the ground is bare and the path thins out. Dolwyddelan Castle over the fields tells you the village is near.

   Example stay Elen's Castle Hotel and Restaurant (opens in a new tab)

6. Day 6 Longest

   Dolwyddelan to Bethesda

   7–8 h 15.5 mi (25.0 km)

   The longest day of these eight is the Ogwen valley, low under the peaks. Forest and easy tracks round Moel Siabod lead down into Capel Curig, which you walk through with the valley still to come. Tryfan and the Carneddau stand over the path after that, and cloud can wipe the line. The quarry tips of Penrhyn bring you into town.

   Example stay Victoria Bunkhouse (opens in a new tab)

7. Day 7

   Bethesda to Llanfairfechan

   5–6 h 11.3 mi (18.2 km)

   The hills above this stretch hold a wide scatter of ancient sites, and the walking stays open. Aber Falls is the picture of the day, a 37 m drop in a rock cleft, so give it a real pause. After the water the line eases toward the sea. The moor and its stone circle can wait for the last morning.

   Example stay Penybryn Hotel (opens in a new tab)

8. Day 8

   Llanfairfechan to Conwy

   4–5 h 9.3 mi (14.9 km)

   An easy day after the falls, and it feels like another country. Coastal light replaces the inland valleys, and the moor around Tal y Fan is wide and empty. Sychnant is the last pull before the castle comes into view. You come down with the estuary under the town walls.

   Finish Snowdonia Way Finish

Cross-check: Snowdonia Way route description . The route page gives six stages and a 97 mile low-level route. Card distances are measured along the trail between the towns. A walk off the path to a bed is extra.

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