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Aberglaslyn, Cwm Bychan, Mynydd Sygyn and Sygun Mine Walk from Beddgelert

By Dave Roberts   

on July 20, 2016    4/5 (1)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Riverside and Valley Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, The Moelwynion, Wales

Aberglaslyn, Cwm Bychan, Mynydd Sygyn and Sygun Mine Walk from Beddgelert

Route Essentials

Route Summary

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

Distance

8.79 km

Ascent

421 m

Time

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

Start Location

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. 

Aberglaslyn, Cwm Bychan, Mynydd Sygyn and Sygun Mine Walk from Beddgelert Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

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Aberglaslyn, Cwm Bychan, Mynydd Sygyn and Sygun Mine Walk from Beddgelert

Mynydd Sygyn is a perennial favourite easy walk for us at Mud and Routes. This is yet another variation on a theme, this time following the Fisherman’s Path from Beddgelert to Nantmor before heading up Cwm Bychan. This mid level valley is one of the gems of Snowdonia, with the views at the high point providing some of the best views by height of any walk in the area.

1 The walk starts in Beddgelert, near the Tanronnen Inn (a site favourite) and follows the riverbank towards the footbridge across the Glaslyn. Cross the footbridge, and follow the riverbank downstream to your right. You can also visit Gelert’s Grave along this route.

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2 Follow the riverbank for around 2km, with sections that are narrow and difficult to pass with oncoming traffic in places. You do get close to the river along the narrow Glaslyn Gorge, and the section is an absolute corker as it wends it’s way along the riverside boulders with steps and handles to aid you on the more tricky sections. It can also be busy,  far too busy, at certain times.

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3 The path reaches the Main Road after 2km, but take the stone steps left and uphill through the woodland. This brings you out at the Nantmor car park, and while the right of way crosses the railway, we recommend following the path down to the car park. It then passes under the Welsh Highland Railway and through a picnic area, before following the river up into Cwm Bychan.

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4 The path is clear, but takes a few sharp turns in places (especially half way up when it takes a sharp right through a wall, so care is needed to follow it. There are couple of easy rocky sections, making for an interesting walk up. To cap it off, there are the remnants of an old copper mine higher up, along with pylons used to carry an aerial cableway.

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5 The way forks near the top of the valley, with our path taking the right hand valley. The path is grassy, and becomes less clear as you reach this section. It eventually reaches a fence, which you’ll cross to an impressive vista across from Yr Wyddfa to Moel Siabod. You really ought to stop here for a prolonged break!

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This is how the view makes us feel!

6 You can descend to Llyn Dinas along the path that contours left, with the path clearly signposted. However, we’ll take the path to Sygun and Beddgelert in the opposite direction. The route crosses some copper spoil initially, before a steep decent to Bwlch Sygyn. This then descends, at a reasonable incline, to the copper mines at Sygun. At the viewing platform, follow the obvious track downhill rather than being tempted to veer left and past it.

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7 You now reach the minor road, where you turn left for Beddgelert. When you reach the bridge over the river, take the gated footpath along the riverbank, and you’ll find yourself back at the footbridge you crossed at the start of the walk in around 20 minutes (at a decent lick!).

The spelling Sygyn is used for the geography of the area (Mynydd Sygyn, Bwlch Sygyn) whilst the copper mine is called Sygun. We’re not being sloppy with our spelling!

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
8.79 km 421 m

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

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk

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 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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