September 2026 - Betws-y-Coed

 

Betws-y-Coed

The vibrant mountain village resort at the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia), Betws-y-Coed is open year-round.  Set where many rivers meet, the village is wrapped in woodland and scenic walks straight from your door.  The village offers cosy B&B and self-catering retreats alongside independent shops, cosy cafés, welcoming pubs and lively bars. Making it just as tempting for a relaxed weekend as for an action-packed escape.

A Walk Lead By Peter Hitchcock

10 Miles, 2,500ft Ascent

We leave the bustling car park area (toilets–50p), cross the river at the top end of town and head up North through pine woods to the first of 3 dams/reservoirs we shall see today. It is a gradual 35 min climb but not nearly as steep as last month! We continue in a big arc westwards, via another dam, then down into the valley to head for the river bank opposite Swallow Falls, but not before spying a grand view of the nearer Snowdonia mountains (Tryfan ridge, for example).

There is a viewing point opposite the Falls where hopefully we can have lunch unless it is too busy with holiday-makers; otherwise, we shall sit by the river bank further on towards the “Ugly House” where we can actually cross over the river to the south side. We then start a longish, invariably uphill walk along forestry track to get to a Monument overlooking another beautiful lake – normally full of wildlife – but unusually quiet at the moment as the water level is so low. Having soaked in the view, we then head down a narrow track for 35 mins all the way to The Royal Oak beer garden.

In essence, this is quite a “gentlemanly” route in terms of gradients, up and down about 2500’ in total, but the length at 10.1miles (the 0.1 is very important!) will burn the thighs and feet a bit after lunch. However, it is a lovely walk which does give you a good feel for the local countryside.

B Walk Lead By Andrew Phillips

DISTANCE 7.4 MILES. TOTAL ASCENT 1490ft

Commencing at the car park (and passing the public convenience en route, charge 50p), we will cross the main road and head up the lane beside the church. We join a forest track up hill for approx. 1/3 mile before joining a steep winding path through woodland, heading for a reservoir, Llyn Elsi, which should be reached in 45min-1hr approx. There is an opportunity for a well earned rest at the monument which was erected in recognition of the creation of the reservoir.

We will then descend alongside Llyn Elsi to a lower viewpoint, before joining a series of forest paths and tracks, emerging at a remote cottage, near which we might stop for lunch, availing ourselves of a bench near the cottage if there is no-one at home.

We will then follow a further series of woodland tracks and paths, leading to Sarn Helen, a former Roman road, which passes the partially deserted hamlet of Rhiwddolion. Dropping down into the valley of Afon Llugwy along a very stony and loose track. We cross the river by the Miners Bridge and joint the riverside path back into Betws-y-Coed.

Although the walk is classed as moderate, there are some parts which are steep, and will demand some concerted effort.

C Walk Lead By Mike & Helen Lewandowska

Having completed the recce for a C walk we have decided to do 2 walks this time to ensure everyone's needs and abilities are accounted for.

Mike will lead a walk up to Llyn Elsi which is a very beautiful lake. This entails walking up a long hill which is quite steep in places. It is on a proper path and there are plenty of resting posts/benches but it is not easy .When you get to the top you take a narrower path by the side of the lake before walking up a short steep path to the monument. You then gradually make you way back down again on a different route .The terrain going down is not easy in places as it is rocky and loose slate - a walking pole is helpful and walking shoes/boots essential. The walk is about 4 miles and a challenging walk for the C group so only go if you feel you are up to it. It can be extended by walking to Miners Bridge and back along the river at the end if people have enough energy. The views at the top are stunning and the group will have a well-deserved break here for half an hour before descending.

Helen will lead those that choose not to tackle the Llyn Elsi walk on an alternative lovely river walk in Betws-y-Coed. We will start by taking a route around the golf course and along the river where there are some wonderful views. We will then progress to the Pont - y Pair Bridge for a brief stop and photographs before heading along the river on a ready-made path up to Miners Bridge .Again there are lovely views here of the river . We have to go up some steps to reach the road where we will make our way back along the pavement into Betws-y-Coed. This is a largely flat ,easy walk .

Mike and Helen

August 2026 Grasmere

 Saturday 8th August 2026

Grasmere is a picturesque village and adjoining lake in the central Lake District, Cumbria, England. Famed for its literary heritage as the former home of poet William Wordsworth, it features slate-clad cottages, traditional pubs, art galleries, and the historic St Oswald's Church.

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

 10 Miles, 1,800 ft Ascent

 

Today we're taking full advantage of what the Lake District can offer, with a strenuous walk of ten miles with 1800 ft of climbing. It may take up to six hours to complete, so the pace will need to be quite brisk.

We begin from Grasmere village, up and along the Easdale road, before taking the footpath which climbs up past the waterfall at Sourmilk Gill, to the shores of Easdale Tarn.

Passing around the left-hand shore of the tarn, we then begin our second and quite steep climb up towards Belles Knot, which Wainwright famously dubbed "The Matterhorn of the Lakes." A grand view over Coledale tarn and back to Easdale now opens, with Helvellyn in the far distance. From here, the rest of the climb is quite challenging, with a steep incline on a rocky path, which passes up and over two short, angled rock faces.  

Eventually the climb levels out at the Blea Rigg ridge, with another fabulous view towards Stickle tarn, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. Now we turn Southwest, following thin tracks, and a few boggy areas, to pass around Castle How, Swinescar Pike and Lang How, before turning northwest to begin our steep descent back to  Grasmere. 

 

NB the picture shows the route from Easdale Tarn up towards Belles Knott

B/C Walk Lead by Pat Guy

 5 Miles  500 ft Ascent

Our walk this month is to Grasmere, always a popular destination. After coffee we start by walking through the village and following a minor road which eventually leads to Grasmere Lake. We will walk along the lake for a while. Then we make our way up to Loughrigg Terrace which has wonderful views. We then make our way towards the main road crossing a river by footbridge. Then we have a short but steepish climb up to a good path which will eventually lead us to Grasmere passing Dove Cottage on the way.

There are a few gates to negotiate but thankfully, no stiles.