Discover the Natural Beauty of Snowdonia on the Precipice Walk

Are you looking for an adventure that will take you to the heart of Snowdonia's natural beauty?

Look no further than the Precipice Walk, a circular trail that offers stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary and the surrounding mountains. Located less than 10 minutes drive from Glasfryn - the Precipice Walk is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Snowdonia National Park.

The Precipice Walk is a 4-mile-long trail that takes around 2 hours to complete. It starts at a car park on the B4416 road, just a few miles outside Dolgellau. The trail begins with a steep climb up to a viewpoint that overlooks the Mawddach Estuary. From there, you can see the beauty of the estuary and the surrounding mountains, a stunning sight to behold.

The trail then follows a narrow ridge with magnificent views of the Mawddach Estuary and the surrounding mountains. Be careful on this part of the trail as it can be quite exposed.

As you walk on, the trail descends into a peaceful forest, where you'll be surrounded by the sounds of the water and the birdsong. It's a great place to take a break, relax and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

As the trail exits the forest, it climbs back up to the ridge and returns to the car park. There are picnic benches and toilets in the carpark. On the way back, you'll have more opportunities to take in the spectacular views of the Mawddach Estuary and the mountains. The route ends on the shores of Llyn Cynwch—a working reservoir that provides nearby Dolgellau with water.

The Precipice Walk was originally created in the 19th century by the local landowner, Henry Robertson. Robertson was a wealthy industrialist who owned the Cae Gwilym estate in the town of Dolgellau. He created the trail as a way to showcase the beauty of the area to his guests and visitors.

The Precipice Walk is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Snowdonia. The Precipice Walk is not for the faint of heart or those with a big fear of heights. The trail is narrow and has steep drops on either side, so it's important to stay alert and be careful. We have taken our children in the carrier but haven’t yet ventured on foot (they are 2 and 5) although, I am told I did go at that age! The walk can be extended further by going up the surrounding hills, where you will be rewarded by an Iron Age Hill Fort and views down over the lake that include if you look carefully the bridges over the Mawddach like the Pemmaenpool toll bridge and Barmouth bridge about nine miles in the distance.

So, what are you waiting for? Add the Precipice Walk to your Snowdonia itinerary and experience the stunning natural beauty of the area. If you fancy an easier walk there is a level path around the reservoir which is worth a trip in itself.

Key information:

Car park: Saith Groesffordd Car Park, Llanfachreth (SH 746 212)
What3words link
Google Maps
Difficulty rating: moderate
Route type: Circular route
Length: 5km
Duration: 2 Hrs
Path Popularity: Popular (especially in the summer we recommend starting early if you prefer a quieter walk)

We plan to feature more of our local highlights on our blog and also other hiking trails in the area can be found on our local area guide.

External Links:

For more information on the Precipice Walk, visit:
Snowdonia National Park website.
Tripadvisor

Fun facts about the Precipice Walk in Snowdonia:

• The trail was originally called the "Terrace Walk" because it followed the contours of the hillside like a terrace.

• The Precipice Walk offers some of the best views of the Mawddach Estuary, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The estuary is home to a variety of bird species, including ospreys, peregrine falcons, and red kites.

• The Precipice Walk has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the 1981 film "Dragonslayer" and the BBC series "The Trip".

• In the early 20th century, the Precipice Walk was a popular spot for promenading and socializing. Visitors would dress up in their finest clothes and stroll along the trail, taking in the stunning views.