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Llyn Crafnant and Geirionydd from Capel Curig

By Dave Roberts   

on December 12, 2011    No ratings yet.

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Woodland Walks in Snowdonia

Llyn Crafnant and Geirionydd from Capel Curig

Route Essentials

Route Summary

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

15.45 km

Ascent

586 m

Time

4-5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Capel Curig

Difficulty

Moderate Walk

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Llyn Crafnant and Geirionydd from Capel Curig Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Llyn Crafnant and Geirionydd from Capel Curig

This is a straightforward circuit that you can do at almost any time of the year. Starting from Capel Curig, the route travels over moorland, into two beautiful valleys containing lakes, and finally some forestry (there’s got to be a down side!. Its highest point is only about 340m, and the distance about 15km.

The Route 

This was the second time I completed this circuit, and after a couple of silly errors in navigation last time (all caused by enthusiasm), I was determined to complete this simple walk without problems.

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The route starts opposite the Pinnacle cafe, and you pass the church (now a decent B&B) on the right up a field, where navigation is relatively straightforward. Just ensure you dont embark on any steep climbs to the ridge just yet, and the path takes you through woodland and onto wet moorland. Last time i was here there were people restoring the footpath (this page has details of the Snowdonia Society who did this work and a pic of the path itself. Browsing the site, they’re also trying to ban powerboats on Llyn Geirionydd), so the boggy parts may be no more.

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From here the objective becomes clear, the track stretches off towards the col for a steady climb. When you reach it, then you are rewarded with views of Creigiau Gleision and Llyn Crafnant. The descent to the valley is quite steep, and the only part of the walk i could see being difficult in snow etc.

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You then skirt the lake, through trees to your left, or the minor road to the right, especially if you fancy a cuppa or even a Bud in the cafe here. Though it was closed this time of year. Once you reach the end of the lake, then you follow the road for a short distance before veering right along a forestry track. This leads to a footpath, and you follow this uphill initially to reach Llyn Geirionydd. The lakeside walk is superior here, hugging the shore, but tree roots are an obstacle.

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Finally, you pull up a forestry track (again) and this leads you eventually over to Capel Curig, and you arrive in Capel Curig by the same path you left.It’s a low leveller, but ideal when that’s what you’re after. I really want to do this circuit in light snow, but getting the timing right!

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location: Capel Curig

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
15.45 km 586 m 4-5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Pubs, shop and cafes in Capel Curig. Cafe on the shores of Llyn Crafnant.

Hazards

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking :

Public Transport:

Sherpa Buses to Llanberis and Betws y Coed.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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