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...

Take a gentle 2 mile stroll around the disused quarry. There are many old buildings, tunnels and a Cornish Beam Engine to explore. Take care near the edges of the flooded parts of the quarry, (especially with dogs!) Engine house Dorothea Quarry commenced working in the early 1820s, though there were a number of smaller workings on or near the site before this. By 1848 it had become the dominant quarry in the area, employing 200 men and producing 5000 tons of finished slate. Production peaked in 1872 at 17442 tons. In the 1930s over 350 men were employed at Dorothea. Production dropped significantly after the start of World War II and the quarry closed in 1970. Quarryscape The quarry is now flooded and regularly used (unofficially) for scuba diving. Flooded quarry This is an easy walk but stout shoes/boots should be worn. Dog exploring with mounted videocamera Parking is free by the roundabout at the end of Nantlle Road The track is hardstanding but there are ma...

Shore at Aber Ogwen                                Route : Follows the shore line East of Penrhyn Castle, using the North Wales Coastal Path. Returns further inland along quiet lanes. Suggested Route Total distance 6 miles, almost entirely flat Obstacles : Two road crossings Parking : Car park beside the shore near Spinnies nature reserve, Aber Ogwen Facilities : More information about  Spinnies Nature Reserve  from North Wales Wildlife Trust. Dogs must be on lead in the actual Nature Reserve.

Pistyll Gwynn                         This is a circular 3 mile walk through the forestry to the Pistyll Gwyn waterfall. There are spectacular views over moorland between Trawsfynydd and the Rhinogs. The lower circular route has gentle ascents and descents and is fairly clearly waymarked. There is an optional 2 mile extra ascent up to the Roman Steps, somewhat steeper. The walk is mostly on good forestry tracks and paths with a firm stony base. There are no stiles, and the path crosses a small number of wooden footbridges. The (optional) moderately steep ascent up to the Roman Steps can be boggy in places, and is accessed through a single kissing gate. Kissing gate on the Rhinog slopes The lower forestry area is gated off from the surrounding hillsides and moorland, and is this keeps the sheep out. There may be some unfenced sheep on the open hillsides of the upper section. ...

                                (Details to be completed) Route : Obstacles : Parking : Facilities :