Walk 1643 - printer friendly version

Llanfihangel-y-pennant & Castell y Bere Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.8 miles / 11.1 km

Ascent - 1000 feet / 303 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SH677069
Lat 52.6436590 + Long -3.9567963
Postcode LL36 9YW (approx. location only)

This varied walk in Snowdonia (Eryri) starts from the village of Abergynolwyn which lies on the B4405 northeast from Tywyn. Parking is available in the village centre by the community centre (grid ref. SH677069) where refreshments are available. After parking, cross the road and take the road to Llanegryn to the right of the Railway Inn. Follow this road as far as the bridge across the River Dysynni. Just across the bridge take the footpath on the right hand side. This path runs alongside the river before climbing up to a tarmac lane (grid ref. SH676073).

Turn right along this quiet lane for just over a mile until you reach the junction with the B4405 where it crosses the River Dysynni. Just before the junction take the signed path over a stile on your left. This path crosses a field and then climbs up through woodland to reach a track (grid ref. SH689082). Turn left along this track soon entering open country. Reaching a gate, take the stile on the right and enter a broad grassy cwm. The onward path is not obvious at first but follows the derelict wall which is now rather overgrown.

The way becomes much clearer now and your route follows the valley bottom on a grassy path. This leads down to a ruined buildings (Nant-yr-eira) close to a stream crossing. Continue ahead in the same direction crossing three fields to reach a gravel track (grid ref. SH679088). On OS maps there is a bridleway leaving the track here. However waist high vegetation obscured the route and after 20 minutes searching the undergrowth we opted to take an easier route. If you are using this route when the vegetation has died back you might find the path. In which case follow the path downhill ignoring the footbridge on the left. This should lead you down to the chapel at Llanfihangel-y-pennant.

The route suggested is to continue along the gravel track. This climbs briefly before slanting downhill across the hillside to a bridleway above Tyn-y-ddol farm which is down on your left. Turn left onto this bridleway and, doubling back on yourself, descend to a lane (grid ref. SH673092). Turn left along this quiet lane and walk to Mary Jones' chapel in Llanfihangel-y-pennant. Follow the lane round to the right and continue towards Castell y Bere (which can visited by an access path on your right).

Just past this path you will find a signed footpath on your left (grid ref. SH668084). Cross the stile and walk across the field to a gate which leads you onto a footpath. This path descends gently offering a fine view of the valley. Where the path divides, bear right and continue to a lane passing the fine farmhouse of Caerberllan on your left.

Go right on the lane, and then left at the next junction and walk along this lane across the River Dysynni (grid ref SH659078). Just over the bridge take the track on your left. The path veers left as you approach a house which you keep on your right. The path continues with the river on your left. This is a glorious section of the walk as the path climbs well above the river with a superb retrospective view. Continue on the clear path until you reach the outskirts of Abergynolwyn. Cross the footbridge over the river and turn right. This leads you back to the centre of the village.

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