Walks

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

Starts in Criccieth

Distance

Approximately 5 miles (8 km)

Time

2–2.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

West Parade Pay & Display Car Park, Criccieth

Route Description

Leave West Parade car park and join the Wales Coast Path heading west towards Llanystumdwy. The route follows low cliffs above the shoreline before opening onto panoramic views across Tremadog Bay.

Continue along the coast beside the Afon Dwyfor estuary before heading inland towards Abercin Farm. Cross carefully into Llanystumdwy village.

Visit the Lloyd George Museum and continue towards Lloyd George’s Grave. Follow quiet country lanes back towards Criccieth, passing fisheries and farmland before returning via Lôn Fêl and Criccieth Castle.

Local History

Llanystumdwy was the childhood home of David Lloyd George, Britain’s Prime Minister during the First World War. His grave sits beside the River Dwyfor beneath a simple boulder.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

2 miles / 5 minutes

Distance

3 miles (5 km)

Time

1.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

Llanystumdwy Car Park

Route Description

Starting in the village centre, the route heads through farmland towards the Dwyfor estuary. Enjoy expansive views over Tremadog Bay before looping back through fields and the upper section of the village.

The return section passes Tŷ Newydd and several historic village buildings before descending beside the river back to the start.

Local History

Llanystumdwy shaped the early life of David Lloyd George and remains one of the most historically important villages in Gwynedd

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

8 miles / 15 minutes

Distance

6.3 miles (10 km)

Time

3 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Borth-y-Gest Car Park

Route Description

Beginning in Borth-y-Gest, the route climbs through woodland before ascending Moel y Gest for spectacular views across the Glaslyn Estuary.

The walk continues into Porthmadog, passing the famous Ffestiniog Railway before exploring historic Tremadog and returning through harbour-side paths and estuary views.

Local History

Porthmadog developed as one of the world’s busiest slate-exporting ports during the nineteenth century.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

18 miles / 35 minutes

Distance

4 miles (6.4 km)

Time

2 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Route Description

This walk combines coast, countryside and historic streets. The route follows the shoreline before exploring Nefyn’s medieval street pattern and surrounding farmland.

Local History

Nefyn has held town status since the age of the Welsh Princes and remains one of Llŷn’s oldest settlements.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

20 miles / 40 minutes

Distance

2.3 miles (3.6 km)

Time

2 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

West Parade Pay & Display Car Park, Criccieth

Local History

Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is one of Wales’ finest arts centres and was originally built as a Gothic country house.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

18 miles / 35 minutes

Distance

9.3 miles (15 km)

Time

Approximately 6 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Congl Meinciau Car Park, Botwnnog

Route Description

Starting in the centre of Botwnnog, the route heads through peaceful farmland towards Llangian before continuing to Llanengan.

The walk then reaches the southern end of Porth Neigwl, one of the largest beaches in North Wales. From here, follow the shoreline before joining the Wales Coast Path.

The return route passes through open agricultural landscapes and traditional Llŷn countryside before returning to Botwnnog.

Local History

Botwnnog was historically one of the principal villages of the Llŷn Peninsula and retains a strong Welsh-speaking culture. Porth Neigwl, known as Hell’s Mouth, has long been associated with shipwrecks and powerful Atlantic storms.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

22 miles / 45 minutes

Distance

2.7 miles (4.3 km)

Time

2 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

Plas yn Rhiw Car Park

Route Description

Beginning at Plas yn Rhiw, the route climbs gently through fields and along the Wales Coast Path.

The elevated position provides spectacular views across Porth Neigwl and towards Eryri.

The return section descends through woodland behind the historic manor house before returning to the car park.

Local History

Plas yn Rhiw dates back to the 17th century and stands on the site of a medieval court associated with the Princes of Gwynedd. The house was rescued and restored by the Keating sisters before being gifted to the National Trust.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

21 miles / 40 minutes

Distance

6.5 miles (10.4 km)

Time

3.5 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Roadside parking in Edern

Route Description

The walk begins in Edern before crossing farmland towards Porthdinllaen.

The route passes through the famous Nefyn Golf Course before descending into the picturesque fishing village.

Following the coast path around the headland, walkers enjoy stunning views across the Irish Sea before returning inland through rolling countryside.

Local History

Porthdinllaen was once considered as a possible site for the principal Irish ferry terminal before Holyhead was chosen instead. Today it remains one of Wales’ most beautiful coastal settlements.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

24 miles / 45 minutes

Distance

3.2 miles (5 km)

Time

2.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

Porth Ysgaden Car Park

Route Description

This attractive route follows dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking a succession of historic fishing coves.

After leaving the coast, the walk heads inland through farmland to Tudweiliog before returning to the sea via quiet country lanes and tracks.

Local History

The coastline around Tudweiliog supported numerous small fishing communities. The area also forms part of the historic Pilgrims’ Route to Bardsey Island, one of Britain’s most important religious destinations.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

20 miles / 35 minutes

Distance

8 miles (13 km)

Time

4 hours

Difficulty

Challenging

Start Point

Car Park above Llithfaen

Route Description

The walk climbs steadily towards Tre’r Ceiri, one of the best-preserved Iron Age hillforts in Europe.

From the summit, breathtaking views stretch across the Llŷn Peninsula, Anglesey, Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay.

The route then descends to Nant Gwrtheyrn before following part of the Wales Coast Path and returning through farmland.

Local History

Tre’r Ceiri contains the remains of over 150 stone houses enclosed within substantial defensive walls. It is regarded as one of the most important prehistoric sites in Wales.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

20 miles / 35 minutes

Distance

9.3 miles (15 km)

Time

5 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Trefor Beach Car Park

Route Description

Beginning in Trefor, the route heads inland towards the historic village of Clynnog Fawr.

The walk circles beneath the dramatic peaks of Yr Eifl, Gyrn Ddu and Gyrn Goch, providing outstanding views across the peninsula.

The return section follows rural tracks and quiet lanes back towards the coast.

Local History

Clynnog Fawr was one of the major stopping points for medieval pilgrims travelling to Bardsey Island. St Beuno’s Church remains one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Wales.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

28 miles / 45 minutes

Distance

1.4 miles (2 km)

Time

40 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

Bangor Upper City (various access points)

Route Description

This short circular route explores the open area known as the Roman Camp above Bangor.

The woodland and grassland paths provide excellent views across the Menai Strait towards Anglesey and Snowdonia.

Although brief, the walk offers a peaceful escape from the city and is ideal for a gentle stroll.

Local History

Bangor is one of the oldest cities in Wales. The cathedral dates back to the 6th century, while Bangor University has been a major educational institution since 1884.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

34 miles / 55 minutes

Distance

6.3 miles (10 km)

Time

4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Aber Nature Reserve Car Park

Route Description

The route begins along the coast before gradually climbing onto the lower slopes of the Carneddau.

As height is gained, spectacular views open across Traeth Lafan, Anglesey and the Menai Strait.

The return section descends back into Abergwyngregyn through rolling countryside and quiet tracks.

Local History

Abergwyngregyn was once one of the principal seats of the Princes of Gwynedd. The village was an important royal centre during the reign of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

34 miles / 55 minutes

Distance

4 miles (6.5 km)

Time

3 hours

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Start Point

Bont Newydd Car Park

Route Description

One of North Wales’ most popular walks, this route follows a well-maintained path through beautiful woodland to the spectacular Aber Falls.

The waterfall plunges approximately 120 feet (37 metres) into the valley below.

The circular extension returns via higher ground, offering impressive views over Anglesey and the Menai Strait.

Local History

The valley contains evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years, including Iron Age settlements and medieval farming communities. The nearby village also played an important role in the history of the Princes of Gwynedd.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

17 miles / 30 minutes

Distance

10.5 miles (17 km)

Time

6 hours

Difficulty

Challenging

Start Point

Pensarn Car Park, Penrhyndeudraeth

Route Description

This rewarding walk explores one of the most beautiful valleys in North Wales.

The route follows sections of the Ffestiniog Railway before passing through mature woodland and around tranquil lakes.

Spectacular views over the Dwyryd Estuary and Portmeirion provide highlights throughout the walk.

Local History

The area played an important role in the slate industry and transport network of North Wales. The Ffestiniog Railway remains one of the world’s most famous heritage railways.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

29 miles / 45 minutes

Distance

5.6 miles (9 km)

Time

3.5 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Barmouth Seafront Car Park

Route Description

The route climbs steeply behind Barmouth through Dinas Oleu before joining the famous Panorama Walk.

From here, magnificent views stretch across the Mawddach Estuary, Cardigan Bay and the mountains of southern Eryri.

The walk returns through woodland and farmland before descending back into the town.

Local History

Barmouth grew rapidly during the slate-export era and later became one of Wales’ most fashionable Victorian seaside resorts.

Legend

Local folklore tells of smugglers using hidden coves along this stretch of coast to evade customs officers during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Distance from Caerwylan Hotel

40 miles / 1 hour

Distance

4.6 miles (7 km)

Time

2 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Start Point

Aberdyfi Seafront Car Park

Route Description

Starting on the seafront, the route climbs gently above the village before circling westward through farmland and coastal countryside.

The elevated sections provide exceptional views across the Dyfi Estuary and Cardigan Bay before the route descends back into the village.

Local History

Aberdyfi developed as an important harbour for the export of slate, timber and agricultural goods. Today it is one of Wales’ most attractive seaside villages.

Legend

The waters offshore are linked to the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod, the mythical Welsh kingdom said to lie submerged beneath Cardigan Bay. According to legend, church bells can still occasionally be heard ringing beneath the waves.