5 Walks From the Door at Tŷ Afon
- Emma Rose
- 37 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Easy routes, local favourites and one iconic summit - all starting from Beddgelert. If you love exploring on foot, you’re in the right place. Eryri (Snowdonia) is one of the UK’s most-loved destinations for walking, climbing and wild swimming; but some of the very best routes begin right here in Beddgelert.
From riverside paths to mountain views, these five walks can all be started from Tŷ Afon. No long drives, no complicated planning; just step outside and go.
Before you head out, we always recommend exploring Mud and Routes, a brilliant free website with clear, downloadable guides to almost every walk in North Wales.
1. Llyn Dinas Circular Walk (with a stop at Caffi Gwynant)
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starts from: Tŷ Afon front door
This is one of the most peaceful lake walks in the area, with a mix of riverside paths, woodland, and wide-open views across Llyn Dinas.
To join the official circular route directly from Tŷ Afon, simply follow the river path towards Sygun Copper Mine. This takes you to Point 7 on the National Trust map, where the waymarked route begins. From here, you can walk the loop clockwise or anti-clockwise.
A lovely bonus: if you take the path toward Point 6, a short detour brings you to Caffi Gwynant, a café housed in a former chapel; perfect for coffee, cake or a warm lunch before looping back.
2. The Aberglaslyn Pass Walk (Fisherman’s Trail) & Cwm Bychan
Distance: Variable (2–6 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starts from: Tŷ Afon front door
A favourite of our team and guests and one of the most dramatic short walks in Eryri.
The trail begins almost immediately outside Tŷ Afon, following the river through Aberglaslyn Gorge, where the water rushes through narrow, steep-sided rock walls. Continue through woodland to the pretty footbridge at Beddgelert, then onwards to the calm waters of Llyn Dinas, the copper mines of Sygun, and the wide views of Cwm Bychan.
It’s a brilliant loop with huge variety and almost no need to use your car.
3. Craflwyn Woods & Dinas Emrys
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Starts from: Tŷ Afon front door & footpath opposite the hotel
This shorter circular walk takes you into the woods behind Tŷ Afon, up to the ancient hillfort of Dinas Emrys - the legendary home of the red dragon of Wales. The climb is short but rewarding, with excellent views down the Glaslyn Valley.
It’s a great option for days when you want something scenic and close-by without committing to a half-day hike.
4. Beddgelert Village & Gelert’s Grave Loop
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Starts from: Tŷ Afon front door, turn left toward the bridge
For a gentle walk with minimal elevation, follow the riverside path to Beddgelert village. Wander over the stone bridges, explore local shops and cafés, and continue to Gelert’s Grave, a well-known local landmark linked to the legend of Prince Llewelyn’s faithful hound.
This is a great warm-up walk for your first day or something peaceful to do before dinner.
5. Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Distance: Varies by route
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Starts from: Tŷ Afon front door, a short drive or Sherpa bus from Beddgelert
No list of local walks would be complete without Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - the highest mountain in Wales and the heart of Eryri National Park.
There are eight main routes, all different in character, difficulty and scenery. From Beddgelert, the nearest starting points are Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu, but all paths are easily reached by car or Sherpa bus.
For detailed advice, parking info, safety tips and route descriptions, head to our dedicated Snowdon page here.
Before You Go - A Quick Note on Safety
Walking in Eryri is incredibly rewarding but weather can change quickly. We always recommend checking the forecast, carrying the essentials, and reading the Countryside Code before heading out. Check here.
Looking for more routes?
Mud and Routes is a brilliant resource with clear, accurate North Wales walking guides.
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