Fri 3rd April 2020
Date
2 Walking Days
Duration
North Wales
Location
2
Grade

Blaenau Ffestiniog Slate Valleys Path

NEW for 2020  We’ve been wanting to offer this section of the Blaenau Ffestiniog Slate Valleys Path trail for a good while now. Set amongst Snowdonia’s dramatic and rugged landscape, there’ll be an opportunity to see the history of the old Welsh mines and quarry landscape that dominates this region, and also visit the impressive dam at Llyn Stwlan, as featured in the photo above.

There may also be an opportunity during the walk to see the popular Ffestiniog Railway narrow-gauge heritage railway in operation.

Highlights

  • Dramatic and rugged landscapes
  • History of the Welsh slate mines
  • Walk along the miners path in Betws y Coed
  • Enjoyable social evenings
INCLUDED
2 days of scenic guided walking Social evenings
Experienced guide Tour leader throughout
Transport for the walk(s)
NOT INCLUDED
Meals and drinks
Accommodation

 

Accommodation for this tour is not included. For accommodation information and all essential tour information please click on the ‘Trip Notes’ tab.

Additional information

Min Age18
1

Friday – (Optional) Welcome Evening

Friday Welcome Evening (optional) is 8.30pm in Betws y Coed. It’s a chance for everyone on the weekend to meet and the Country Adventures tour leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the planned walks. If you’re unable to make it to the Welcome Evening, the booking confirmation will detail everything you need to know about the weekend.

2

Saturday - Walk Day

Grade 2 – Blaenau Ffestiniog 7.5 miles (12km), with 1600 ft (488m) of ascent

In the evening, an optional social evening is planned in Betws y Coed, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

3

Sunday - Walk Day & Departure Day

Grade 2 – Betws y Coed 7.5 miles (12km), with 1400 ft (427m) of ascent

The walking weekend will finish in Betws y Coed between 3-4pm.

Essential Info

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included as part of this tour. If you require help with booking accommodation you may find the following links useful:

Booking.com search for accommodation in Betws y Coed, Gwynedd

We recommend booking accommodation in, or near to, Betws y Coed for easy reach to the meeting point for both the walks and social evenings.

Food & Drink

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.

On Saturday evening, an optional social evening in the centre of Betws y Coed is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

Transport

For guided walking tours that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. There is no extra charge for this, it is included in the tour price.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk. Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.

Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent. Longer walks, on hills and moorland.

Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent. Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.

Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

  • Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
  • Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
  • A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
  • Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
  • Sunglasses, sun cream.
  • Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
  • Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
  • A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
  • Any medication you need.
  • Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
  • Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification any of the equipment requirements, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tour Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled tours, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Welcome Evening – 8.30pm meet in Betws y Coed

Walking Days – 9.15am in Betws y Coed

Address: Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre, Betws y Coed, LL24 0AH

Llyn Stwlan, Wales
Llyn Stwlan, Wales

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