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A Stroll in the Parc

By Dave Roberts   

on June 22, 2011    No ratings yet.

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

A Stroll in the Parc

Route Essentials

Route Summary

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

5.25 km

Ascent

104 m

Time

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Difficulty

Easy Walk, Mountain Biking

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

A Stroll in the Parc Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

A Stroll in the Parc

Getting to this walk is probably the hardest part! The Llyn Sarnau car park can either be reached by the minor road that passes the Ty Hyll off the A5, or a minor road that starts from near Gwydir Castle on the B5106. The latter is the better road. Once here, make sure to be early, as it is popular with mountain bikers and walkers alike.

You will need a map, compass and the skills to use them. Plantations are notriously difficult to navigate, and often the map and tracks don’t match.

Distance, Ascent and Time 6km, 160m, 2 hours

OS Map Required Explorer 017, BMC Map, Landranger 115

Difficulties Navigation in forestry!

Start / End  Llyn Sarnau Car park SH777591

Facilities Picnic Area.

Public Transport None – nearest Llanrwst or Betws.

The Route 

1. Start from the car park as mentioned above. The track can be seen right,between the 2 lakes. After a couple of hundred metres, the track splits in many directions. You can go left and along the open field, or as we did, straight ahead. This section of the walk gives distant views to Snowdon, Tryfan and Creigiau Gleision.

llyn_parc_06_620

2. Continue along the track, climbing slightly uphill. You will soon meet the alternative track, which joins from the left. Continue straight ahead, until you come to a junction and a large stone wall. Behind this is a reservoir.

3. Continue straight ahead, past this stone dam, keeping on the same track. It will turn sharply left, then sharply right before bringing you to Llyn Parc.

[Optional, There is a footpath that cuts across section 3. It starts just past the dam, is waymarked blue, and it is visible on the OS map. ]

llyn_parc_10_620

4. There is a small beach at the lake where you can stop for a breather before continuing along the forestry track along the lake. Unfortunately, the track has been built for loggers and not walkers, so there are surprisingly no views of the lake. The OS map shows a path along the lakeside, but this appeared overgrown.

5. The track will fork after a few hundred metres, where you need to turn left. This track then takes you all the way to the footpath that forms the final leg of the trip (SH 788 596). The final section of foresty track is rather steep. You can continue forward and take a stretch of the Marin Trail in if you’re on a MTB. Ideal way to get a little taster in.

llyn_parc_17_620
6. At the grid reference given above, you will turn left off the track and follow a clear footpath through deciduous forest. This track is a little rough in places, but no major difficulties are encountered. You will pass a couple of old mines on the way (marked on map), but they are both fenced off and the entrances themselves are blocked up.

7. Eventually the path will climb up onto a forestry track (SH 781 595). The map shows many other paths, but none were obvious on the ground, with this described route being easy to follow. Turn right along the forestry track, which quickly brings you back to Llyn Sarnau. Turn right and you are back at the car park.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
5.25 km 104 m

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Easy Walk, Mountain Biking

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Check out the businesses nearby for more places to stay and drink.

Hazards

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking :

Public Transport:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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