The path through the Aberglaslyn gorge, from Beddgelert south through the narrow rock-walled valley with the Glaslyn river thundering below, is one of Eryri’s most dramatic short walks. The Welsh Highland Railway shares the gorge, passing through tunnels and over the river; the combination of rock, river, woodland and narrow-gauge railway makes this an entirely distinctive experience. This is Experience #18 of the Snowdonia 100.
Walk Details
| Start | Beddgelert village |
| Distance | Around 3km each way (to Nantmor and back) |
| Ascent | Minimal, valley walk |
| Time | 1.5-2.5 hours return |
| Difficulty | Easy, but the riverside path is narrow and uneven in places |
| Note | One short rocky section beside the river needs care and the use of hands |
The Gorge
The Aberglaslyn gorge was cut by the Glaslyn river through hard volcanic rock. The valley is narrow enough that the path, the railway and the river all compete for space in the bottom. Before the building of the Cob at Porthmadog in 1811 and the reclamation of the Glaslyn estuary, the tide reached up to Pont Aberglaslyn and small boats came up to the bridge. The combination of oak woodland on the valley sides, the rushing river, and the sudden enclosure of the rock walls makes this one of the most atmospheric short walks in the national park.
The Welsh Highland Railway
The Welsh Highland Railway’s route through Aberglaslyn is one of the most scenic stretches of narrow-gauge railway in Britain. Trains pass through the gorge on their 40-kilometre journey between Caernarfon and Porthmadog, and the combination of walking and watching trains emerge from a tunnel in the cliff face is unexpectedly satisfying. The full line reopened in 2011 after decades of disuse.
Plan Your Visit
You can start in Beddgelert or at the National Trust car park at Aberglaslyn, near Nantmor, which has toilets. Sat navs struggle here: the postcode LL55 4YG leads to a lane about 0.6 miles from the car park, so use the grid reference SH 597 462 instead. Buses stop in Beddgelert and Nantmor, and there is a Sherpa’r Wyddfa stop at Aberglaslyn bridge, so a one-way walk with a bus back is easy to arrange. The Welsh Highland Railway also stops at Beddgelert and at Nantmor, at the southern end of the gorge.
The riverside path is the old fisherman’s path. Wear shoes or boots with a good grip, as the rock is polished and often wet, and allow extra time on the stone buttress above the river, which the National Trust singles out for great care. The gorge is at its most dramatic after rain, but that is also when the path is most slippery. Autumn colour in the oak woods is a highlight.
Good to Know
- The walk crosses the Welsh Highland Railway. Trains run on the line, so stop, look and listen at the crossing.
- Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control, especially around livestock.
- The narrow riverside section is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Beddgelert itself has easier riverside strolls by the village.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Police.
Nearby
Back in the village, visit Gelert’s Grave (Experience #80) or stay on for Beddgelert in the Evening (Experience #31). Our Beddgelert guide covers places to eat and stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aberglaslyn Pass walk suitable for children?
Yes, for children who are steady on their feet and happy to be held back on the rocky section by the river. Hold small hands on the buttress.
Can I make it a circular walk?
Yes. The National Trust’s longer circuit from Nantmor continues up Cwm Bychan, past old copper mine remains, and returns via Llyn Dinas and Beddgelert. It is around 9km and graded challenging.
Experience #18 of 100, Routes and Ridges category.