Maentwrog Walks
This delightful village is located in a fine position in the Vale of Ffestiniog in Snowdonia. There's views of the River Dwyryd, beautiful local gardens, several nearby reservoirs and expansive woodland to the north of the settlement.
This walk visits the lovely Plas Tan y Bwlch Gardens before heading to the picturesque Llyn Mair. The walk starts from the car park at Plas Tan y Bwlch which is the Snowdonia National Park environmental studies centre. There are some delightful gardens here with woodland, ornamental shrubs, streams, little waterfalls and views over the River Dwyryd to Maentwrog. During the Spring and early Summer, species of Rhododendron and Azalea are a splendid colourful sight in the gardens.
From the gardens you can then follow a footpath north to visit the nearby Llyn Mair. There's a pretty weir here and some nice trails through the surrounding woodland.
Postcode
LL41 3YU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsMaentwrog Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Maentwrog Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Maentwrog OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Maentwrog Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the historic Grapes Hotel for some post walk refreshment. The grade II listed inn dates from the 17th Century and has a charming interior. Oustide there's a lovely garden area for warmer days. You can find them at postcode LL41 4HN for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
You can continue your walking by catching the Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog and visiting the old mines and the fascinating Llechwedd Slate Caverns. The pretty Tanygrisiau Reservoir and the photogenic Llyn Stwlan Dam are also located near here.
Just east of Blaenau Ffestiniog there's Cwm Penmachno where you can explore a number of striking slate mining quarries, enjoy views of the River Machno and visit the pretty Llyn Bowydd.
To the south there's the expansive Llyn Trawsfynydd where you'll find a visitor centre and lakeside cycling and walking trails.
The challenging climb to Cnicht can be started from the neighbouring village of Croesor which lies just to the north. The summit commands some wonderful views to the coast at Porthmadog.
Head east and there's the neighbouring village of Llan Ffestiniog where you can visit the Afon Cynfal gorge and the photogenic Cynfal waterfalls.
To the south west is neighbouring Penrhyndeudraeth where there are some lovely walks along the River Dwyryd estuary.
For more walks in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Plas Tan y Bwlch garden, looking towards Maentwrog
Weir on Llyn Mair, Tan y Bwlch
A waterfall in the gorge The waterfall is on Afon Tan-y-bwlch, a stream flowing from the man-made Llyn Mair which was created to provide a source of water for a HEP station serving the Tan-y-Bwlch mansion. Tan-y -Bwlch was the first house in Wales to have its own turbine, and in 2006 the Snowdonia National Park Authority, now owners of the mansion, resolved to commission a survey into the feasibility of restoring the HEP plant
Plas Halt railway station
Plas Tan-y-Bwlch. The centre from the gardens.
Arwyddion cyntaf yr Hydref. First signs of Autumn in Coed Tan y Bwlch
Woodland overlooking the Vale of Maentwrog
Sculpture in the making next to Llyn Mair near to Maentwrog Gwynedd