Llandudno Junction – Graig – Betwys-y-Coed – Dolwyddelan – Capel Curig – Trefriw – Llandudno Junction.

Start Llandudno Junction on the Crewe-Holyhead main line, about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Essentials Choices at the tourist centres – Llanrwst, Betwys-y-Coed, Capel Curig, Trefriw, Conwy. After Graig it’s hilly, but a peaceful alternative to the A470. Climbs from Betwys-y- Coed onwards, especially steep after Swallow Falls.

Finding the way – see offroad section map 1 the hamlet of Blaenau Dolwyddelan. After Coed Mawr farm it’s a rough track, later becoming a waymarked path. Climb to pass of Bwlch-y-Ehediad. 2 Then descend – very steep from first trees of oak wood. Right on to the A4086.

Points of interest

SNOWDONIA SETTLEMENTS Llanwrst, Betwys-y-Coed and Capel Curig are popular tourist stops. The first was once noted for wool and harps; the second two, possibly dating from the 6thC, were coach stops on the mail route from London to Ireland via Holyhead. Betwys is home to the Waterloo Bridge, a Thomas Telford bridge, built 1815.

SNOWDONIA MOUNTAINS AND VIEWS between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig, especially on the off-road section. NW of the A4086 are two revered Snowdonia summits, Glyder Fawr (just over 1000 m) and Glyder Fach, about 6 m lower. Fifth and sixth tallest in Wales, they have rocky summits.

CONWY CASTLE perhaps the most menacing and impressively sited of the castles Edward I built to control Wales.

Staying nearby

Lledr House Youth Hostel, Pont-y-Pant, Dolwyddelan. 01690 750202.

Capel Curig Youth Hostel, Plas Curig, Capel Curig. 0845 3719110.