~Beddgelert~
11th May 2010
Visitors to this website who have viewed the Moel Siabod walk may care to note that this short walk took place later on the same day. When I'm away from home and the weather and location is this good, there is little to be gained by going back to the tent or B&B and putting my feet up. Warning: this place offers absolutely stunning scenery, viewers may be inclined to drop what they're doing and book a holiday.
Moel Hebog
This seems like a good opportunity to tell visitors about my first mishap of the holiday. I packed up the car and decided that the rucksac would not fit in the boot, so it would go on the passenger seat. I unpacked at the B&B and only then realised that my rucksac was still at home, complete with some walker's essentials, such as compass, whistle, torch, spare phone battery and emergency Mars Bar.
The Moel Siabod walk was completed with a small borrowed rucksac, new compass and less kit than usual. Moving on, here's some photos and notes on Beddgelert....
Afon Glaslyn
Afon Glaslyn comes into the village from Eastern flanks of Snowdon. Beddgelert (pronounced Bethgelert, but you knew that, didn't you?) sits at the confluence of Afon Glaslyn and Afon Colwyn, both draining off Snowdon.
Cottages in Beddgelert
Afon Glaslyn and Yr Aran
The footpaths follow either side of the river and a shortish loop is made possible by crossing the new footbridge, below. Here, I'm looking back up the river and I was walking on the right side as you look. Yr Aran (The High Place) is the higher peak in the background. I'm carrying on down the river to Pont Aberglaslyn.
The New Bridges
When I was a young boy, we had family holidays in this area and I vividly remember seeing the old railway bridge and my father telling me how trains used to run down the gorge.
The River Walk
Along with the reinstatement of the railway line, the river footpath has been repaired and upgraded. Again, I'm looking back and you can just make out the railway line up on the right.
 |
 |
via ferrata |
Aberglaslyn Pass |
The Aberglaslyn Pass
On the left, you can see hand holds to aid walkers; on the right you may just about be able to see the dark entrance to the Aberglaslyn Tunnel (centre left) and on the right is the roadway.
The Welsh Highland Railway
Quite unexpectedly, a train appeared from the tunnel and headed up the gorge. If I'd known it was due, I would have found somewhere better to stand and take the photo. Presently the trains go through the tunnel, just for the ride. They return without allowing passengers to join or alight the train from the temporary terminus at Hafod y Llyn. Link time: WHR
 |
 |
Into the Tunnel |
Down by the River |
Short Tunnel
From Pont Aberglaslyn
This is a place where walkers can turn back and enjoy it all again, or they can head over the hill and make their way to Sygun. I went a little further to a secluded area where not many folk will reach. Friend and fellow fellwalker Gary Richardson has done the circuit including Sygun Copper mine. There's a link at the bottom of the page, you don't want distracting just now, do you?
The River and Pont Aberglaslyn
Bird in the Woods
Buzzard (probably)
On the way down the river, I spotted a buzzard, buzzarding high up in the air. Now on the way back, one buzzard is up in the sky and this one is taking it easy. Can anyone identify the bird in the woods, the crafty fellow would not turn side-on for easier identification. I crossed the footbridge and made my to the grave of Gelert, please have a tissue handy, and maybe, your reading glasses.
 |
 |
Gelert's Grave |
The Details |
Near By should surely be one word, nearby. This is what the tourists come to see, a bit like the elusive monster in Loch Ness, it gets the tills ringing.
Graves
This scene reminded me of the Chinese "Terracotta Army", there's a certain uniformity.
Enjoy Your Walk (?)
Lyns Cafe
Lyns Cafe, Lyn's Cafe? It matters. Nice place, see RRR later.
Last Look
A last look back at the village before making my way to the car. Whether or not it qualifies as such, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Mix it with some industrial heritage and ancient folklore and it's a place not to be missed.
The "Old" Bridge c. 1974
Walkers: Just Me
Time taken: 3hrs 15 mins including time in the Cafe. Distance of about 3 miles altogether. It can't be hurried.
Route: Beddgelert to Pont Aberglaslyn and back.
Weather and conditions: Sunny
Greetings Count: Quite a few other sojourners.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Lyn's Cafe above. Very good menu, table inside and out. Friendly staff, prompt service.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....
Take me to Gary Richardson's Beddgelert Adventure....
Comments removed after some purile messages appeared from unknowns with too much time on their hands.