9-day Snowdonia Way itinerary

1. Day 1 Longest

   Machynlleth to Dolgellau

   7–8 h 15.2 mi (24.4 km)

   Here the opening day is the longest, so give it the respect of a big day. You set off from Machynlleth's clock tower into Dovey Forest, on tracks and lanes past the slate at Corris. The wooded shoulder of Cadair Idris, just over 400 m, is the top of the whole low route. The descent into town is through the trees.

   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)

   A stretch of the Roman road Sarn Helen crosses the stage, with the Rhinogydd away to the west. The day still starts on the path that clings above the Mawddach. Wide tracks through Coed y Brenin follow the woods. The moor above the lake is the way down, and the village sits high beside the water.

   Example stay Llety Glyndwr - Bunkhouse

3. Day 3

   Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth

   4–5 h 9.7 mi (15.6 km)

   A short estuary day, with another short day after it. A brief spell on the road beside the A470, then woodland into the Vale of Ffestiniog, a wide valley with the sea somewhere ahead. The Dwyryd opens as a sandy estuary, not a narrow river path. There is no gorge in today's walk, and the rock shelf is tomorrow morning.

   Example stay Wenallt (opens in a new tab)

4. Day 4

   Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert

   4–5 h 9.3 mi (14.9 km)

   The Pass of Aberglaslyn is why this day stays short. You climb through forest toward the Moelwyns with time to spare, Cnicht on your left. In the shade the path becomes a rock shelf, handrails above the river, so go steadily. Beddgelert is only a few minutes past the gorge.

   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)

   A real climb set between two easier days. The river, Dinas Emrys and the lakes are the gentle half, with Yr Wyddfa at the head of the valley. Bwlch y Rhediad lifts you onto open hill where the line is harder to see. The castle on the drop marks the village. Tomorrow's hop only follows the flank of Moel Siabod.

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

6. Day 6

   Dolwyddelan to Capel Curig

   2–3 h 4.8 mi (7.8 km)

   A short day along the flank of Moel Siabod, on forest and easy tracks over open hillside. The Glyderau and the Carneddau open up as you lose height toward the village. Capel Curig is the bed, with those ranges in front of it, and Tryfan stands at the head of the next valley. The Ogwen walk can wait until morning.

   Example stay The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel (opens in a new tab)

7. Day 7

   Capel Curig to Bethesda

   4–5 h 10.7 mi (17.2 km)

   The Ogwen valley by itself, which is the reason for last night. Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn stand over a low path, and Llyn Ogwen is the water under them. The miles are gentle for the scale of the hills. Cloud still asks for the map, especially on the rise before the falls. Nant Francon and the Penrhyn tips lead into town.

   Example stay Victoria Bunkhouse (opens in a new tab)

8. Day 8

   Bethesda to Llanfairfechan

   5–6 h 11.3 mi (18.2 km)

   A bigger day after the valley. Anglesey shows from the open Carneddau flank as the ground turns toward the coast. Aber Falls is the stop, a 37 m waterfall in a cleft of rock. The Roman road beyond it goes down to the sea. The castle morning is the last of the walk.

   Example stay Penybryn Hotel (opens in a new tab)

9. Day 9

   Llanfairfechan to Conwy

   4–5 h 9.3 mi (14.9 km)

   Shorter than the day you started with, and a clear way to finish. From the seaside town the climb is Penmaenmawr, then the moor around Tal y Fan. The stone circle on Cefn Coch is the high, quiet point of the day. Sychnant and Conwy Mountain bring Conwy Castle into view over the estuary.

   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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