A beautiful hike in the Betws-y-Coed area of Snowdonia National Park was a great way to spend a Saturday.
This trail was a full mix of woodland tracks, gravel pathways and rocky trails. It really did have a bit of everything as the path followed past waterfalls, through forest and lead to some view picturesque lakes.
Where did I start?
Well I choose the Pont-y-Pair carpark to start my trek from. I will advise maybe choosing some where on the other side of the river, although it was fine when I arrived, the area is only single file roads and a single file bridge over the river. This was full of pedestrians in the afternoon, blocking any safe way through, and made it difficult to get through. Maybe if visiting at a weekend a different carpark should be chosen.
Swallow Falls
The beginning of the path followed the river, although it couldn’t always be seen through the trees. I could hear the water crashing on the rocks for at least the first hour of my hike. It wasn’t until I reached the Swallow falls that I got a good look at the water cascading over the rocks.
A few riskier paths
Following some of the tracks I had marked, I did discover quite a few warning signs. Next to a very narrow path etched out of the cliff face, they often mentioned that it was old mining lands and care should be taken. The path was wet but not boggy but streams did run beneath me feat and down below to the now distant water. I had to wonder how much protection the little wire fence to my left would have given me if I took a step wrong. Luckily I didn’t think about this for long.
There were a few areas along my trail that lead to walking through the waterways and covering some wet and rocky terrain. I had to take care with my footing but the day was pretty much uneventful. The only injury I came close to was banging my elbow when climbing over a farm gate. It was tied shut and hopping over was a better option than retying the knot.
Abandoned and protected
I do always like it when I can find a building along my hikes. The timing when I found this old mine building was great. Even though it had no roof it did offer some protection against the elements. The wind picked up so I took a quick stop to get my bearing.
Then a few more miles down my path I found this abandoned old farmhouse. The roof was collapsed in and that walls barely standing but I just loved the insight it gave into the people who once lived and breathed on these lands.
A couple of quick breaks
I found some amazing spots to enjoy a flapjack and a coffee. Theirs was plenty of beautiful lakes and apart from the odd cyclists I felt that I had the whole area to myself on the day.
Forests for days
Through the forest areas there was a mixture of dirt trails and slate paths. They ran through the tall sturdy trunks (and some looking less sturdy) of thousands of three. The autumn is in fall swing and I could see the mixes of green and browns clinging onto branches as well as carpeting the ground.
Will I go back?
It will definitely be a trail that I would do again, maybe in reverse so that I could see the waterfalls at the end of the trek. The last section of my path was a rather rocky and steep downhill through the forests. Handling this first might have been a good idea. Although that would lead to the twenty meters of boggy land to be near the beginning rather than the end.
I took over two hundred photos on the day, and I could have easily taken two hundred more. There was just so much to see and take in. However, maybe the next time I visit Betws-y-coed I might choose a week day, when it isn’t the half term holidays!
Where next?
Well that is a second national park ticked off my list! There will be a break coming over the some of the winter months, where I may look towards some of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are closer to home.
The planning is starting now for a couple of longer expeditions next year. It’s looking like a five or six day hike around Cairngorms in the spring. Then later in the summer visiting the south coast.
If you’re reading this and you’ve got any advice on the best places to see and camp, or maybe some of the safer bothies in Scotland please let me know.