Snowdonia Slate Trail

Walk Snowdonia National Park’s Slate Trail, an incredible route that takes you into the heart of Wales’ slate mining past. Centuries of slate mining has not only carved the landscape we see today but created tight-knit mining communities. Journey through historic slate mining villages and explore abandoned quarries that tell the story of a proud industrial heritage. From the sea at Bangor to the towering slate mountains this remarkable walk visits some of the lesser-known parts of Snowdonia while providing a fascinating insight into the lives of Welsh slate workers.
What’s included
- Exploring lake, river, forest, and mountain landscapes in Snowdonia National Park
- Discovering Welsh slate mining history from Roman Britain to the Industrial Revolution
- Visiting traditional Welsh villages with proud mining heritage
- Snowdonia’s people and past
- A mix of moderate to challenging walking, ideal for those looking to test their stamina while enjoying a rewarding experience
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Half-board
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will be at reception at 6:30pm to meet the group and give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5km)
Ascent: 2050 feet (640m)
Descent: 1800 feet (540m)
We start our trip on the seafront at Bangor, following the tree-lined Lon Las Ogwen (Ogwen Green Lane). We walk beside the Afon Ogwen, with views of Penrhyn Castle, then ascend through farmland to circle the upland village of Rachub. We’ll have great views of the Carneddau mountains before descending to the slate town of Bethesda. Passing Penrhyn Quarry we cross open moorland and descend through the Padarn Country Park beside the National Slate Museum – the former slate workshops of the Dinorwig quarry. We’ll walk between two lakes to finish in Llanberis.
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)
Starting in Llanberis we ascend to the back of the town with widening views of the Glyder range, the Snowdon massif, the coastal plain and Anglesey beyond. The route passes low hills then descends to Waunfawr, crossing the Welsh Highland Railway. We ascend again to the west, passing the remains of ancient settlements accompanied by views of the dramatic Nantlle Ridge. We visit the upland village of Y Fron and walk through the remains of Dorothea quarry to finish in the Nantlle valley.
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
Descent: 1,700 feet (520m)
Today, we’ll walk beside Llyn Nantlle Uchaf and continue east through the valley. It’s then on to the lower slopes of Mynydd Mawr and through woodland to Rhyd Ddu village which has a pub and a café. The route passes the attractive lake Llyn y Gader and continues on the Lon Gwyrfai path through woods to the pretty village of Beddgelert. From here we walk beside the Afon Glaslyn, initially pastoral then becoming a rocky gorge to Pont Aberglaslyn before finishing our walk at Nantmoor.
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 2,450 feet (740m)
Descent: 1,750 feet (540m)
This is a lovely, varied day of walking. We’ll begin with a stroll through Nantmoor village then ascend on an old drovers’ road to arrive at the village of Croesor. We ascend diagonally up the flank of Moelwyn Mawr to the remains of Croesor quarry and on through rough terrain to Rhosydd quarry. We follow a track down to Cwmorthin, passing beside the lake and an eerie ruined chapel, continuing down to Tanygrisiau, crossing the Ffestiniog railway. From here it is a simple walk into Blaenau Ffestiniog, the iconic slate town.
Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5km)
Ascent: 2,900 feet (880m)
Descent: 3,000 feet (920m)
We leave Blaenau Ffestiniog to the south, walking through the beautiful undulating valleys of Cwm Bowydd, Cwm Teigl then on to Llan Ffestiniog. We visit Cwm Cynfal, a spectacular gorge with waterfalls and torrents and follow the river’s valley up to open moorland that offers a sense of wilderness. We pass the iron age hillfort of Bryn y Castell, before a steep descent to the remote ruined village and quarry of Rhiwbach. From here we continue down to Cwm Penmachno, one of the most settlements in North Wales.
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1, 950 feet (600m)
Descent: 2,150 feet (660m)
From Cwm Penmachno we’ll follow forest tracks along the side of the valley to Penmachno and continue north to join the Conwy valley. We pass the delightful Fairy Glen and continue ahead to Betws y Coed, passing our hotel. We walk through the town and continue beside the Afon Llugwy, passing the Miners’ Bridge and Swallow Falls before arriving at Ty Hyll meaning ‘The Ugly House’.
Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
Our final day follows tracks through the Gywdyr forest then descends to Capel Curig. We take the green lane through the pass between the Carneddau and Glyderau ranges. At Llyn Ogwen the magnificent U-shaped valley of Nant Ffrancon opens up ahead and the remaining walk is an easy stretch on the old road around the purple slate tips of Penrhyn quarry. Finally, we walk the Afon Ogwen back to Bethesda where a statue marks the end of the trail.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Gwydyr Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Betws y Coed, Gwydyr Hotel is a splendid Victorian-era gem dating back to the 1800s. In the town, you’ll discover charming shops, a railway station with a captivating museum, and a tourist information centre. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, and drying room. Comfortable en-suite guest rooms all come with TV, tea & coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is dog-friendly, so you may perhaps make some four-legged friends in the communal areas.
Food & drink
Our holiday in Snowdonia is half-board. Breakfast and evening meals are provided at the hotel. Packed lunch provisions can be purchased locally.
Dietary requirements
Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting to Gwydyr Hotel
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
Holiday prices
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026 | ||||||||
13 Jun - 21 Jun 2026 8 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,043 £1,993 Double from £1,529 £1,479 pp |
from £1,529 £1,479 pp |
from £2,043 £1,993 |
Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
11 Jul - 19 Jul 2026 8 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,043 £1,993 Double from £1,529 £1,479 pp |
from £1,529 £1,479 pp |
from £2,043 £1,993 |
Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
8 nights
from
£1,529pp
£1,479pp
New holidays
or call 020 3974 8865