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Cwm Trwsgl and the Tramway from Cwm Pennant

By Dave Roberts   

on March 16, 2015    No ratings yet.

Cwm Trwsgl and the Tramway from Cwm Pennant

Route Essentials

Route Summary

Quiet route in this quieter part of Snowdonia.

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

Distance

11.94 km

Ascent

321 m

Time

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

Start Location

Difficulty

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office 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. 

Cwm Trwsgl and the Tramway from Cwm Pennant Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

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Cwm Trwsgl and the Tramway from Cwm Pennant

Cwm Pennant is a little known valley firmly on the unfashionable side of Snowdonia.

This is a cracking little walk from Cwm Pennant, up to Cwm Trwsgl and a little explore of the quarries. There’s usually a decent view, but it was a tad cloudy today!

You’ll need to pay at the farm (Beudy newydd, which was a couple of quid) though there’s also a cheaper alternative further down the valley. Either’s ok for this walk.

The Route

1 From Beudy’r Ddol at the furthest end of the valley, take the stile at the corner of the car park and follow the loosely waymarked right of way up the hill. It can be a bit wet in places and not too distinct.

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2 Head towards the ruin high up (Cwm-trwsgl) on the map which roughly marks the start of the Cwm Dwyfor Mine Tramway. Follow this right until you reach some old quarry buildings.

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3 You can at this point turn left into Cwm Trwsgl and explore the quarry workings. Beware that there are a couple of open workings and care should be exercised if walking off path!! There are some interesting quarry buildings as well.

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4 From point 3, the tramway crosses the river and despite a confusion of tracks on the map, the tramway is the clearest path to follow. You can head off down the right of way at SH542 486 and follow the wall and fence, but we continued onwards for around 600m to make the most of the track before heading downhill.

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5 The track is good in places, but can equally leave you scratching your head! There’s a fence and wall to follow for the whole distance, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for the path which does disappear in the wetter areas. Considering it was November and wet when we walked it, these aren’t too boggy and normal walking boots should be ok.

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6 Once you reach the metalled road at Brithdir-mawr, the route back is easy. We continued along the lane, and then turned right at the only junction in order to return to the start. It may be a road, but the location is stunning enough to make it worthwhile. You could return via a footpath on the other side of the valley (past Plas-y-pennant) if you wanted a bit less tarmac.

As featured in the exclusive GO Guide to Snowdonia – Walking guide

GOOUTDOORS_Snowdonia_Walking

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Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Quiet route in this quieter part of Snowdonia.

Route Start Location:

Distance
Ascent
Time
11.94 km 321 m

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

Activivity Type: 

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

none noted

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:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

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1 thought on “Cwm Trwsgl and the Tramway from Cwm Pennant”

  1. STEPHEN WRIGHT

    I have an alternative route that allows you to start and finish in almost the same place (start and finish at “council pool” around 1km south), and follow the tramway in one direction, but avoid walking on the road in the other direction. It takes longer but is a lot more interesting on the W side of the valley. Maintains roughly constant height (roughly in line with tramway). Also gives options to head higher. Happy to share with anyone.

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