Madog Walks Group

A moderate 4.5 mile walk up from Llaneltyd village to the Llyn Tan-y-graig reservoir, then via the old mine tramways along the New Precipice Walk . (Much safer than it sounds! Stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary.)  Return to Llaneltyd via the lower woodland paths. Mawddach Estuary panorama The "Precipice" is a flat track cut into the valley side, on the slopes of Foel Ispri, and makes use of an old tramway which was built to serve the workings of the long-abandoned Voel goldmine. There are stunning views of the Mawddach estuary as far as the Barmouth viaduct, and across to Dolgellau and the Arans in the other direction. Directions From Dolgellau and the south : A470 just north of Dolgellau; turn right onto minor road signposted Cymer Abbey. Follow Cymer Abbey signs but stop short and park near No Through Road down to the  old Llaneltyd Bridge From Trawsfynydd and the north : A470 100 yards BEFORE roundabout with A496 north of Dolgellau...

Walk around the lakes and through the gorgeous woodland landscape at Tan y Bwlch. The route is a five mile walk through the forestry near Tan-y-Bwlch (midway between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog). Lots of places for dogs to take a dip in the lakes, splash about in the streams, chase about in the forest. No livestock around, and almost no roads, so great for being off the lead, too. Parking: The start/finish point is from the roadside car park, a few hundred yards along the B4410 road from Tan-y-Bwlch railway station, heading towards Rhyd. The nearest postcode for Sat Nav is LL41 3AQ  - but carry on along B4410 past the lake and under the railway, to reach the car park. Walk route                                               There's a cafe at the station, and some dog-friendly pubs nearby - The Oakley Arms and the Brondanw . Easy to ge...

Moderate 3.5 mile dog walk skirting across the slopes and forestry of Moelwyn Bach, using some good stone-surfaced forestry roadways. Llyn-y-Garnedd Uchaf Paddling Llyn-y-Garnedd Isaf Llyn-y-Garnedd Isaf is a good halfway point for a break. A bit of shelter at lunchtime! Parking is free at Tan-y-Bwlch Station (Ffestiniog Railway) Car Park. There are no stiles, three pedestrian gates, and a couple of pole barriers to duck under. The ascent is a long steady easy gradient, and the going is fairly even. There are usually no sheep grazing this section of forestry, so plenty opportunity to be off lead. The Cafe and Toilets at Tan-y-Bwlch Station are only open in season, when the trains are running.  The Oakley Arms is at the bottom of the hill, by the A487, and there are Public Toilets opposite, by the bus shelter. Directions : From A487 at Maentwrog, take the B4410 uphill from the Oakley Arms to Tan-y-Bwlch Station. Tan-y-Bwlch Station is well signpos...

This is a short hike (just 2.5 miles) but is reasonably demanding (because of its steep and uneven/boggy initial ascent).  It's well worth the initial cardio-vasular push - because the waterfalls and forestry are charming and the vistas from the upland plateau, once you get there, are hugely rewarding. Manod Mawr and the Vale of Ffestiniog The upland circular walk goes through the unusual and picturesque Dduallt halt on the Ffestiniog Railway. There are some interesting railway artefacts, and it has a fascinating history. Rhoslyn Cottage, (once the Dduallt stationmaster's house) The ascent and descent route passes through both the Coed Cymerau and Coed Maentwrog nature reserves. There are some rich woodlands and charming waterfalls - serene places to take a breather and let the heart rate slow down! Footbridge by the waterfall in Coed Cymerau The route has more than its fair share of ladder stiles (in good condition) and a few low post-and-wire stiles (whic...