The old slate mines - exploring Snowdonia's history
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End: Llanrwst, OS Grid: SH801617 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 344m (1129ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 693m (2276ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 349m (1147ft)
Max. Elevation: 280m (918ft)
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Waypoints
Start of the walk. Head from the station to the bridge across the Afon Llugwy and into the Forest Park.
Follow the path along the river to the Miners Bridge, where the workers used to cross on their way to the mines on the hillside. Carry on past the house at Diosgydd Uchaf.
The route heads deeper into the forest, towards the house at Hafotypencraig. All around you can see the old shafts and tips from the Cyffty slate mine that once thrived here.
How's your navigation? You can either follow the road through the forest, or make your way along one of the many forest tracks. More disused shafts and slate tips all along the way.
The path continues to Gwydir Castle, built in 1490 after the War of the Roses. You can also stay for Bed and Breakfast here (although it is supposed to be haunted...)
www.gwydircastle.co.uk. The nearby Gwydyr Uchaf, a stone chapel built in 1673, is also worth visiting for its painted ceiling.
From the castle, it's a short walk to the small market town of Llanrwst, across the Afon Conwy.
This is a great walk when the weather is being typically Welsh. It stays off the tops and offers some shelter but with impressive views and a good deal of Industrial Archeology interest.