Circular Walk around Criccieth
This circular walk explores the coast and countryside surrounding the town of Criccieth in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd. On the way you'll visit the historic Criccieth Castle and the grave of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
The walk starts at the train station in the centre of the town. From here it is a short stroll south to the coast and the castle. The castle is located in a dramatic spot on a headland between two beaches. It dates from the 13th century but was heavily modified following its capture by English forces of Edward I in the latter part of the century. Today the site includes exhibits and information on Welsh castles as well as the mid 12th century Anglo-Norman writer Gerald of Wales.
The route then follows the coast path west along the beach and the River Dwyfor before turning north towards Llanystumdwy. Here you will find the grave of David Lloyd George and an associated museum. Lloyd George lived in Llanystumdwy until he was 16, and it is where he picked up his political nous and hatred of the land-owning aristocracy from his lay preacher uncle. His grave was designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, creator of the Italianate village of Portmeirion. He also designed the museum which features artefacts from the politician's life, an audio-visual theatre and a Victorian schoolroom.
After exploring Llanystumdwy the walk then follows country lanes east back into the town.
To continue your walking in the area head east along the Llyn Coastal Path to visit the delightful village of Borth-Y-Gest and the town of Porthmadog. Here you can explore the pretty harbour and enjoy a climb to Moel y Gest for fine views over the area. Heading west will take you to the main town on the peninsula at Pwllheli.
Criccieth Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Criccieth Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Criccieth OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Criccieth Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Criccieth
- Portmeirion - Enjoy a walk around this popular tourist attraction built in the style of an Italian village
- Llyn Coastal Path - Follow the Llyn Peninsula from Caernarfon to Porthmadog on this stunning coastal walk
- Moel y Gest - This hill near Porthmadog offers fine views over North Wales including the Llyn Peninsula, the Rhinogydd, Moelwynion, Moel Hebog, and Snowdon.
This walk starts at the lovely harbour in Porthmadog and follows the coastal path south to Borth-Y-Gest - Porthmadog - This attractive coastal town in Gwynedd has some lovely coastal walking paths and beautiful beaches to explore
- Pwllheli - This circular walk takes you around the town of Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula
- Llanbedrog - This pretty Welsh village is located in a lovely spot on the south side of the Llyn Peninsula.
- Llanystumdwy - This little Welsh village is located in a fine spot on the Llyn Peninsula near Criccieth and Pwllheli.
- Morfa Bychan - This delightful village is located on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the east is Morfa Bychan where you can explore the wonderful Black Rock Sands beach. The wide sandy beach is a real highlight of the area with sand dunes, a large multi-coloured headland rock, low-tide caves, rock pools, and a variety of marine life.
Photos
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Moel y Gest from Criccieth Castle
Cricieth Castle 1. The remains of the south-west tower, looking across Tremadog Bay.
Cricieth Castle 2. The so-called engine tower in the east of the outer ward. It is suggested that the tower was built to house a missile-firing engine.
Criccieth Beach. Looking south east towards Black Rock
Llanystumdwy David Lloyd George's Grave. Lloyd George was buried here in a spot chosen by himself on the banks of Afon Dwyfor.
Low tide on Criccieth beach, with the castle in the background
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Cottage in the town
Amgueddfa Lloyd George Museum