A circuit of Llyn Crafnant, near Trefriw

This Snowdonia walk provides aeasy circuit of picturesque Llyn Tranant, a reservoir nestling in the Carneddau mountains. The route is easy to follow and provides some rugged scenery without to much effort. Ideal for a family walk and picnic.

Technical sheet

n°293228

A Trefriw walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 04/08/16

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.19 km
Calculated time: 1h 40
Difficulty: Easy
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 59 m
Vertical drop: - 59 m
Highest point: 221 m
Lowest point: 172 m

District: Trefriw
Start/End: N 53.139394° / W 3.860085°
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Description

(S/E) The Carneddau mountains are probably the least visited part of Snowdonia and this easy circular walk provides excellent views and a flavour of this area. Llyn Crafnant is a reservoir dammed in 1874. The start is the parking and picnic are at grid ref. SH756618, which is reached by driving up a narrow lane which leaves the B5106 Conwy to Llanwrst road in the village of Trefriw.

After parking walk up the lane towards the reservoir and take the waymarked path along the north shore of the reservoir. You are immediately rewarded with fine views along the lake with the rugged peaks at its south-western end particularly notable. The path is easy to follow and leads to Hendre (grid ref.SH739605)(1). Turn left here down to the road at Blaen y nant (SH739602). Turn left along the road and you have an easy walk back to the start(S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 172 m
1 : km 2.24 - alt. 209 m - Hendre - Turn left
S/E : km 5.19 - alt. 172 m

Useful Information

Refreshments are available at the Lakeside Café which is open in the summer. There are also many places to have a picnic along the route.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Clarity of route description
4.8 / 5

Clarity of route map
4.3 / 5

Walk interest
5 / 5

francismunson

16 Jun 2022 at 15:44 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 15/06/22
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Nice easy walk got back car park with clean boots
Good car parking clean toilets and picnic tables

Wombling Free

17 Jul 2021 at 12:29 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 13/07/21
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

It's a narrow road from Trefriw up to the car park, sometimes with agricultural and timber traffic on it, but be patient and you'll get there!
The car park is large enough and spacious, and the toilets are very good.
There are four way-marked trails starting at the car park, including this one.
The walk itself is an easy circuit of Llyn Crafnant, with superb views.
There's a café on the south shore, but it was closed on our trip.

Loxtons

31 Aug 2020 at 16:34 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 29/08/20
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : N/A
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely easy walk on a mostly level path with beautiful scenery and stunning views. The road to the starting point was extremely narrow and windy, with a bit of a hold up while oncoming traffic had to reverse! But once there we followed the Yellow walk signs round the lake. Thank you - we wouldn't have found this beautiful place otherwise.

r.a.simpson

20 Nov 2018 at 12:35 EST

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 19/11/18
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We really enjoyed the walk and the scenery was beautiful.

We had a problem in finding the lake due to lask of knowledge of the area. The signpost pointing off the A5106 to Llyn Crafnant was unclear.

It would be helpful if a post code could be included for the starting point as well as a grid reference.

Other walks in the area

Melynllyn and Dulyn Reservoir from Llyn Eigiau parking

Departure from Caerhun (Conwy)

This walk on the eastern side of the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia offers a sense of solitude and excellent mountain scenery. The route is generally easy to follow although careful navigation is needed on the section from Dulyn Reservoir back to the start.

Crimpiau from Capel Curig

Departure from Capel Curig (Conwy)

The minor Snowdonia summit of Crimpiau provides an excellent walk from Capel Curig. The route crosses quite mountainous terrain and the view down Llyn Crafnant is one of the great panoramas in the area. Do make sure you are suitably equipped for this walk.

Tryfan by the North Ridge from Ogwen Valley

Departure from Capel Curig (Conwy)

This challenging route to the summit of Tryfan is one the great walks and scrambles of Snowdonia. Starting from the Ogwen Valley, much of the ascent up Tryfan's north ridge involves the use of hands. In winter this route takes on a different character when ice and snow are present and should only be attempted by those experienced in winter mountaineering.

A circuit of Llyn Idwal from Ogwen Cottage

Departure from Gwynedd

Llyn Idwal lies in a spectacular location under the Glyder Mountains in Snowdonia. This walk provides a mountain experience without too much effort walking through a rocky amphitheatre in the mountains.

A Glyderau trio: Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan

Departure from Llandygai (Gwynedd)

This walk takes in the three key summits in the Glyders - Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan. It also includes the Y Gribin ridge with its excellent opportunuties for scrambling. Do choose a fine day as the views are spectacular throughout.