A walk through the unspoilt Cwm Pennant Valley
A walk through the unspoilt Cwm Pennant valley, along Afon Dwyfor and the route of an old railway, to a disused slate quarry.
Distance: 4 miles (1.5 hours).
Access to the valley is along a single track road from the village of Dolbenmaen on the A487. When you reach Capel (Chapel) Pennant continue for approximately 1.5 miles.
Parking: A small carpark where a gated bridge crosses the Afon Dwyfor. There is alternative paid parking a little further on by the entrance to Tyddyn Mawr farm (honesty box).
Coordinates: 53.005784, -4.189285.
Postcode: LL51 9AX. Continue for almost a mile beyond the postcode destination given by Google Maps.
Route Directions
Walk over the bridge and along the lane to Tyddyn Mawr farm. Alternative car parking is just over the bridge.
Walk up the drive towards the farm.
Take the left fork and pass in front of the shed.
Pass through the gate and more buildings.
After a short distance, where the track bends sharply to the right, continue forward following the bridleway sign.
Start to climb diagonally to a gate crossing stream. The path can be very muddy here.
Continue in the same direction gradually gaining height. The path is difficult to make out at times.
Eventually you should reach a clearer path that climbs more steeply and zig zags up the hill. There are occasional posts marking the way.
When the path levels out, head for a gate in the left corner.
Continue to climb roughly in same direction until reaching a path on grass ridge. This is the remains of the railway to the quarry.
Head left along this as it gradually descends.
You will eventually reach 2 wooden gates that mark the entrance to the disused slate mine.
After pausing to explore, pass through the building to a path that passes through a cutting in the rock.
After exiting the cutting descend carefully to a metal gate. This is a bit of a scramble!
Pass further ruins on the right following a path that descends to the valley floor. Posts mark the way but it can still be difficult to follow at times.
Emerge through stiles near a small car park.
Take the lane back to your car.
