This walk is a rather more challenging one, totalling just over seven miles in length, making a circle up and around Cnicht, often regarded as the Matterhorn of Wales. The mountainous scenery is well worth the effort, but make sure you are well prepared for the trek.
Begin at the car park in Croesor, then cross the bridge and go up through the village. The estate – of which the village is a part – was owned by Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect who designed the Italianate village of Portmeirion.
Head up the ridge. Cnicht isn’t as high as it looks, measuring just 689 metres, but it can be a tricky climb, though one that is definitely worth it for the views.
Turn right at Llyn yr Adar, following the boggy path to the old slate quarry. You may wish to bring a map and a compass to get through this section.
Head down the old quarrying path, along the tramway, and over the bridge. Follow along, slowly descending down the valley, stopping to take in the magnificent views.
Keep going, past the 110 year old power station, and continue past the farmhouses. This will take you back to your starting point, but not before taking you to a lovely café where you can reward yourself for your hard work.
Image Source: CC by-SA 2.0 by Matt Buck
Image Source: CC by-SA 2.0 by Matt Buck
Location
This walk begins at the car park in Croesort through the village of Portmeirion, a beautiful Italianesque location.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Blaenau Ffestiniog has recently become a centre for new and exciting activities. Situated right in the very heart of the Snowdonia National Park, with forests, lakes, rivers and mountains all around it people have been coming here for easy access to the park but now there is so much more on offer...
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
These are two separate railways, both of which operate historic steam engines with comfortable carriages that will carry you through the often beautiful countryside in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. This is the longest railway journey of its type in Britain.
Portmeirion
Sometimes called the Welsh Riviera, the village was designed and built by the famed architect, Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis. The design was reportedly based on the Italian fishing village of Portofino, which Williams-Ellis had visited and fallen in love with, saying “its image remained with me as an almost perfect example of the man-made adornment and use of an exquisite site”.
Town Cottages
Find somewhere to let in town. Towns offer the convenience of shops, restaurants and other ammenities whilst you're never far from the countryside.
Small Cottages
When you only need space for 3 people or less then these cottages will suit you. We have a range of such properties across North Wales.
Cottages around Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a place you have to visit during your stay in North Wales. In the beautiful location of the Dwyrd Estuary the Architect Clough Willimas-Ellis created an Italianate Village. This wonderful backdrop was used as the film set for the series "The Prisoner" and is now the site of Festival Number 6 (first week in September each year). Also in the area is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and the location gives easy access to the Llyn Peninsula and the Snowdonia National Park.