BETWYS-Y-COED - 5th July 2026

 Photo: by Darren

Thirty-three members of SFWC made the trip to Betwys-y-Coed and were rewarded with a fantastic day. The weather was dry, warm and sunny (again) with the wet and miserable walks of the recent past an almost distant memory. And because of the nature of the area, it was decided to try a new strategy in dropping off and picking up. Rather than all groups finishing their walks in Betwys-y-Coed, four of them did so at Bethesda. This required a logistical change and everyone to know exactly where to be and at what time. Thanks to great co-ordination by Stuart this drop off and return journey pick up at Bethesda went well. As Gerry drove up to the bus stop in Bethesda at 5.59, Stu breathed a sigh of relief as he counted all nineteen members of the four groups waiting there!

So after a late start at Lyn Ogwen the weather was looking promising and Geoff’s group was looking forward to a great scramble up Tryfan North Face. It didn't disappoint. They all had a go climbing the Cannon but weren't brave enough to jump across Adam and Eve. After lunch on the top they descended the South ridge back to Lyn Ogwen where they had an ice cream break, then a 6 mile quick march to Bethesda for a quick pint in the aptly named ‘Tryfan’ pub. A tough but very enjoyable day was had by all.

Paul’s group left the coach at Capel Curig following a route that was new to everyone - gentle ascents and descents through some beautiful mountain countryside. Open views until reaching the forests which protected them from the heat of the day. Paul found himself ankle deep and sinking in what seemed a muddy patch, so the others sensibly found an alternative way round! And the trig point proved elusive, but Betws-y-Coed provided some very welcome refreshments at the end of the day.

Stu’s little party began at the western end of Llyn Ogwen and made their way south east to Capel Curig, where he’d had told them to expect Ice Creams to be on sale.

Sadly not, as the little Spar shop and cafe has now become a purely outdoor clothing shop! Not a lolly in sight!

Stopping for lunch outside, they pressed on along the Snowdonia Slate trail, an excellent winding route taking them across open 'fell type' landscape and at times into forest areas.

Converging towards the Afon Llugwy, its water could be heard as they passed above Swallow Falls.

Near Miners Bridge, they met Miks B's group who had decided not to chance the steep path down to the bridge.

After visiting the bridge, the rest of the walk took them alongside the river all the way into Betws-y-Coed, and after a quick change of footway at the coach park, they enjoyed refreshments in the village.

Garry’s group of two set off from the drop off at the bottom of Llyn Ogwen and headed straight for Devils Kitchen. On the way they saw many climbers climbing up the Idwal slabs. The climb up Devils Kitchen gave them some light scrambling along with the normal rocky climb and they met many other walking groups ascending or descending it. Getting to the top of Y Garn, they decided to break for lunch and found a sheltered spot on the edge of the cliff on Y Garn. Heading North along the ridge they never saw the top of Snowdon as it was always covered in cloud, however they did see the train heading to the summit. Views were had all the way along the ridge in pretty much every direction, with the view of the Menai strait from the rocky peak of Carnedd Y Filiast a particular treat. They then descended straight down to the slate trail on a reasonably overgrown path of ferns and heather on the less steep bits. They headed back to Bethesda to enjoy a pint (or two) in the Y Tryfan. A good walk of 9.5 miles and 3300ft descent.

Keith’s group left the coach at Bethesda with a hint of excitement as they began exploring an area they hadn't walked before. As they left the town and headed up to Gyrn Wigau the group were rewarded with fantastic views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey. The group thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected boulder scrambling as they continued up the ridge over the peaks of Drosgl, Bera Bach, Bera Mawr and Yr Aryg. The views continued to be stunning in all directions as they continued the route over Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach and Carnedd Llewellyn. At this point the group decided they didn't have enough time to complete Yr Elen so they continued along the ridge to Carnedd Dafydd before beginning the descent to Bethesda via Foel Meirch. A truly fantastic day was had by all, completing a horseshoe that gave so much. 14 miles and 4100 ft of ascent completed!

Mike B’s group followed the Snowdonia Slate Trail from Capel Curig to Betws y Coed with glorious views of Moel Siabod and beyond across the Conway  valley. They descended through the forestry to follow the river eventually into a very busy Betws-y-Coed. A glorious day's walking in good company. With thanks to David for his meticulous map reading!

Because of the nature of the area, it was decided to try a new strategy in dropping off and picking up. Rather than all groups finishing their walks in Betwys-y-Coed, four of them did so at Bethesda. This required a logistical change and everyone to know exactly where to be and at what time. Thanks to great co-ordination by Stuart this drop off and return journey pick up at Bethesda went well. As Gerry drove up to the bus stop in Bethesda at 5.59, Stu breathed a sigh of relief as he counted all nineteen members of the four groups waiting there!

No-one in Clare’s group was quite sure whether shorts or trousers were the right choice of leg wear. They all fortunately chose shorts and so Ken, Lorraine, Mike K and Angie joined Clare for a circular walk from Bethesda with a plan to ascend 5 peaks ranging from 409m to 758m, and finishing with a short walk on the Snowdonia Slate Trail. An area they hadn’t walked before it turned out to be a perfect day, a bit breezy on the higher summits but nothing to spoil the views of the surrounding mountains - Penrhyn Quarry (now a zip wire), Puffin Island, Anglesey and the Menai Strait. Starting with a fairly easy walk up Moel Fabian (409m) and Llefn (443m), both smooth topped hills, Gyrn (542m) proved a little more strenuous with a slate covered pimple top. After discussing the merits and drawbacks of lunch at that point, the decision was made to carry on to the summit of their highest peak of the day, Drosgl, before stopping.

Accompanied by the constant harping of Ken about being so hungry he could eat a scabby dog, an energetic ascent brought them to the plateau summit of Drosgl, another slate / shale area requiring some care but worth the effort for the views. From the summit they were able to admire the impressive peaks the Oldhams group were aiming for, whilst agreeing what they had achieved was perfectly adequate to their needs, and Ken finally got to eat his scabby dog and the group were able to enjoy lunch with spectacular views in peace.

Descending over the back of Drosgl provided a much easier descent than expected after the ascent and it was on to the final summit of Gyrn Wigau (643m). A double tipped summit and one with jagged stones seemingly bursting from the ground, gave the impression of a sleeping dragon. Sadly it didn’t wake and eat the owner of the spaniel being allowed to chase sheep who put it on a lead when we spoke with her, then let it off again to go back to chasing sheep when she thought we weren’t watching. A leisurely descent into Bethesda to join the Slate Trail and on to the beer garden of the Y Tryfan for some very welcome cold beverages. An excellent day in good company and an area well worth another visit.

Thanks as ever to this weeks leaders: Mike B, Geoff, Keith, Paul C, Garry, Clare V & Stu. And to the photographers who took some stunning images: Mike B, Geoff, Darren, Mancy, Nick, Paul M, Howie, Neil O, Ian, Chris, Clare V, Mike K & Stu.

Click HERE to open the photo album.

Click HERE to open Darren's video of 'Tryfan via the North Ridge'.

Next Walks: 

Sunday 19^th July 2026 – Wythburn to Grasmere

5.30 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 though Ambleside and over Dunmail Raise to Wythburn, where the coach will turn round and return on the A591 to Grasmere. Park in Grasmere.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services. 

Sunday 2^nd August 2026 – Keswick via A66

5.30 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 to Keswick. Because of new parking constraints in Keswick, the coach will drop off in Keswick if required (but not in a car park) then park outside the town, returning to park in the usual Booth’s car park around 3pm.  Morning coffee stop at Tebay services. 

Sunday 16^th August 2026 - Langdale

5.30 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 through Windermere to Ambleside, A593 to Skelwith Bridge, B5343 to Langdale.  Park near the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.