Four Valleys Path - Nantlle, Gwyrfai, Padarn and Ogwen Valley Walk
Explore the four former slate mining valleys of Nantlle, Gwyrfai, Padarn and Ogwen on this beautiful walk through Gwynedd. The walk runs from Penygroes to Bethesda passing along the edge of the Snowdonia National Park along the way. Highlights on the walk include the 13th century, Dolbadarn Castle which features one of the finest surviving examples of a Welsh round tower. You will also pass between Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn in Snowdonia.
These glacially formed lakes are overlooked by Elidir Fawr mountain, with the busy village of Llanberis located on the southern shore of Llyn Padarn. The beautiful Marchlyn Mawr reservoir can also be found in this area.
The walk is waymarked with a green and white disc.
The area's quarrying history can be further explored on the Snowdonia Slate Trail which can be picked up in Bethesda.
Four Valleys Path Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Four Valleys Path Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Four Valleys Path OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Four Valleys Path Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Lon Las Ogwen can be picked up in Bethesda. The off road trail will take you north to the coast at Bangor or south to the beautiful Llyn Ogwen. It runs mostly along old railway paths and the River Ogwen. The route is also suitable for walkers.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Four Valleys Path below Pen Ffriddoedd Terrace
Green Lanes. North of Maen-llwyd-uchaf, the steepening Llanberis-Waunfawr road has turned into a green lane not accessible to general traffic. The other green lane, the one linking the two tarred roads upwards from Llanberis, sweeping past the back of Maen-llwyd-isaf (in the trees) contours the hillside below Yr Aelgerth.
A green lane linking two mountain roads. This high level lane runs from Maen-llwyd-isaf on the Waunfawr road to the track leading from Llanberis through Maesgwm to Llyn Cwellyn. The track is part of the Llwybr Pedwar Dyffryn/Four Valleys Path which runs from the Nantlle valley to the Ogwen valley.
Castell Dolbadarn. Dolbadarn Castle was built in the 13th century by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth [Llywelyn Fawr] to control movement up and down the Llanberis Pass. The massive keep which dominated the castle still stands. The remainder of the castle has been reduced to low walls.
Gwyrfai Flow
The valley of the Ogwen
Upper end of the Nantlle Valley