Discover the Snowdonia Slate Trail: A New Way to Explore Wales’ Industrial Heritage and Mountain Scenery

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Walkers looking for something a little different in North Wales have a fascinating long-distance route to add to their hiking bucket lists. The Snowdonia Slate Trail, known in Welsh as Llwybr Llechi Eryri, offers an unusual combination of mountain scenery, riverside paths, historic villages and some remarkable reminders of Wales’ industrial past.

Although the trail itself was established in 2017, it is a route that deserves much greater attention from the walking community. It takes hikers away from some of the busiest mountain paths and into a landscape shaped by more than two centuries of slate quarrying.

Stretching for approximately 83 miles (134km), the route links abandoned quarries, former mining communities, ancient woodland and dramatic mountain scenery. It is an opportunity to discover a different side of Eryri National Park, where the remains of an important industrial heritage sit alongside some genuinely spectacular walking country.

For anyone who enjoys combining a good walk with a little history, this could be one of the most rewarding walking holidays in Wales.

An 83-mile journey through Snowdonia’s slate country

The Snowdonia Slate Trail follows a large circular route through North Wales, beginning at Porth Penrhyn near Bangor and finishing at Bethesda.

Along the way, it passes through a variety of landscapes and communities, including Llanberis, Waunfawr, Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Croesor, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llan Ffestiniog, Penmachno and Betws-y-Coed.

Rather than concentrating solely on mountain summits, the trail takes walkers through the valleys and communities that helped make Wales one of the world’s most important slate-producing regions.

There is plenty of variety, with sections alongside rushing rivers, woodland paths, open moorland, mountain tracks and quiet country lanes. The route also provides opportunities to explore the remains of old quarries, railway infrastructure and workers’ settlements.

One of its biggest attractions is the way it combines natural beauty with a real sense of place and history.

Discovering the abandoned slate quarries

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the trail is the opportunity to explore the remains of the enormous slate industry.

One particularly impressive location is Dorothea Quarry near Y Fron. Once a vast industrial complex, it contained railways, workers’ cottages, machinery, tunnels and enormous excavations.

Today, nature is gradually reclaiming the site. Trees and vegetation grow around the old industrial structures, while huge stone walls and towers create an almost ancient appearance.

The craftsmanship is particularly striking. Many of the old buildings were constructed using carefully fitted stones without mortar, demonstrating the skill of the people who built and worked in these challenging surroundings.

The industrial history of the area stretches back centuries. Welsh slate was highly regarded long before large-scale industrial production began, with Edward I believed to have used it on his Welsh castles.

Production expanded significantly from the 1820s and reached its peak during the 1870s. Railways, steam-powered machinery, pumps and aerial cables transformed the valleys, creating a thriving industrial landscape.

Some of the engineering achievements were extraordinary. A Cornish beam engine was installed to pump water from deep quarry workings, extracting around 10 gallons of water every second from a depth of 500 feet.

These remains provide a fascinating insight into an industry that shaped the landscape and the lives of thousands of Welsh families.

Cwmorthin Quarry: A dramatic reminder of the industry’s past

Another memorable location along the route is Cwmorthin Quarry, near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Although not quite as large as Dorothea, it is an impressive landscape dominated by enormous heaps of discarded slate. The scale of the operation is difficult to imagine, particularly when you discover that approximately 10 tons of material were required to produce just one ton of usable slate.

The quarry also has a much darker history. During the late 19th century, it became known locally as the ‘slaughterhouse’ because of the number of workers who lost their lives in accidents.

For walkers, the abandoned workings provide a powerful reminder that these impressive industrial landscapes were once places of hard, dangerous work.

The route continues down a remote valley towards Blaenau Ffestiniog, providing an opportunity to stop for refreshments before continuing into the surrounding countryside.

Beddgelert and some of Wales’ finest riverside walking

The picturesque village of Beddgelert makes an excellent stopping point for anyone tackling the trail over several days.

With traditional pubs, cafés, restaurants and outdoor shops, it provides a welcome opportunity to rest and refuel.

The surrounding scenery is equally impressive, with the mountains of Eryri providing a spectacular backdrop.

From here, walkers can enjoy sections of the route alongside the River Glaslyn. The path offers some wonderful riverside scenery, with rocky outcrops and powerful flowing water creating an atmospheric walking experience.

The trail also shares part of its route with the famous Cambrian Way, a 298-mile long-distance walking route through Wales.

For those tempted by a little extra adventure, the distinctive peak of Cnicht is an attractive diversion. Sometimes compared to the Matterhorn because of its shape, the mountain offers wonderful views towards the Irish Sea.

However, this is exposed mountain country, and the weather can change quickly. Strong winds, rain and hail can make an otherwise enjoyable outing considerably more challenging.

The magical River Cynfal gorge

One of the most memorable sections of the trail follows the River Cynfal near Llan Ffestiniog.

Here, the landscape changes again, with a beautiful gorge featuring tumbling waterfalls, powerful currents, moss-covered rocks and ancient oak trees.

It is a particularly atmospheric stretch of walking, with the sound of the river providing a constant backdrop.

The area also has some interesting local folklore. One of the rock formations in the river is said to have been used as a pulpit by a local magician named Huw Llwyd.

The 18th-century traveller and naturalist Thomas Pennant recorded stories of the magician’s voice echoing through the gorge at night.

It is an excellent example of how the Snowdonia Slate Trail offers more than just scenery. There are fascinating stories, legends and historical connections waiting to be discovered along the way.

Remote landscapes and abandoned workers’ cottages

Beyond the gorge, the trail climbs towards more exposed upland country, where woodland gradually gives way to rocky outcrops, boggy ground and wide-open views.

Even in these remote surroundings, reminders of the slate industry remain visible.

One particularly poignant detail is an abandoned cottage where a jacket reportedly still hangs behind a door, creating an impression that its former occupant has only recently left.

There is a real human story behind these deserted settlements.

Life in the slate industry was difficult, with poor wages and repeated industrial disputes. Many Welsh quarry workers eventually emigrated to America in search of better opportunities.

The struggles of the workforce were particularly evident around the turn of the 20th century. In 1901, sympathetic workers in England even sent a two-and-a-half-ton Christmas pudding to Welsh quarrymen as a gesture of support.

Despite such acts of solidarity, industrial disputes and violent clashes continued, and many workers eventually left the area.

Walking through these abandoned communities provides a very different perspective on the landscape. What might initially look like an empty mountain valley was once home to busy working communities.

Wildlife, historic churches and the approach to Betws-y-Coed

There is plenty to interest nature and history enthusiasts too.

Near the village of Cwm Penmachno, the route passes a waterfall where peregrine falcons have been spotted nesting nearby.

A little further along, walkers can visit the historic church of St Tudclud, which contains a remarkable collection of inscribed stones.

One of these is the Carausius Stone, believed to commemorate a Roman commander who declared himself emperor of Britain and northern Gaul in AD286.

The final approach towards Betws-y-Coed brings another change of scenery, as the trail joins the River Conwy.

The river has long been recognised for its beauty, having attracted attention as a scenic destination as far back as the 17th century.

Betws-y-Coed itself is a popular stopping point for walkers, with accommodation, pubs, cafés and other facilities.

For those following the trail over several days, it provides another welcome opportunity to relax before continuing the wider route.

How long does it take to walk the Snowdonia Slate Trail?

The complete route covers approximately 83 miles (134km).

Walkers can approach it in several ways:

• A multi-day walking holiday: The full route can be completed over approximately seven days, allowing time to enjoy the villages, industrial heritage and surrounding countryside.
• A shorter walking break: Choose a section of the trail and explore a particular area over two or three days.
• Individual day walks: The route can also be tackled in smaller sections, making it accessible to walkers who cannot commit to a full long-distance adventure.

There is considerable variation in the terrain, so it is important to plan individual sections according to your fitness, experience and available time.

Some stretches are relatively gentle, while others involve steep tracks, exposed uplands and more demanding mountain terrain.

Good walking footwear, suitable waterproof clothing and careful route planning are essential.

Can you walk the Snowdonia Slate Trail independently?

Yes. The trail can be walked independently, and the official Snowdonia Slate Trail website provides route information and details of its individual sections.

However, accommodation, refreshments and transport need some consideration, particularly in the more remote areas.

If you are planning to walk the entire route, it is worth organising overnight stops in advance and considering how you will return to your starting point.

There are also organised self-guided walking holidays available.

Walkers’ Britain & Europe offers a seven-day Snowdonia Slate Trail package which includes:

• The complete 83-mile walking route.
• Six nights’ accommodation.
• Breakfast.
• Luggage transfers between overnight stops.
• A digital navigation app with route information.
• An emergency support hotline.

Prices are advertised from £890 per person (price applicable at November 2026), with daily departures available between April and October.

This could be a convenient option for walkers who want to concentrate on the walking without having to organise all the accommodation and luggage arrangements themselves.

Why the Snowdonia Slate Trail deserves a place on your walking bucket list

There is no shortage of fantastic walking in North Wales, and the paths around Yr Wyddfa attract huge numbers of visitors every year.

However, the Snowdonia Slate Trail offers something rather different.

It takes walkers into some of the less-visited corners of the national park, connecting beautiful natural landscapes with the industrial communities that helped shape the region.

You can spend the morning exploring the remains of an abandoned quarry, enjoy lunch in a traditional Welsh village, follow a spectacular river gorge in the afternoon and finish the day in a welcoming community pub.

It is a route with variety, character and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.

For experienced long-distance walkers, the 83-mile challenge provides an appealing multi-day adventure. For others, the ability to explore individual sections makes it a great option for a shorter walking break.

The Snowdonia Slate Trail may not have the immediate recognition of some of Wales’ better-known long-distance routes, but its combination of industrial heritage, remote countryside and spectacular scenery makes it well worth discovering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Snowdonia Slate Trail?

The Snowdonia Slate Trail is approximately 83 miles (134km) long, following a circular route through Eryri National Park in North Wales.

Where does the Snowdonia Slate Trail start and finish?

The route starts at Porth Penrhyn near Bangor and finishes at Bethesda, following a large loop through the surrounding countryside and former slate-mining communities.

How many days do you need to walk the Snowdonia Slate Trail?

Allow approximately seven days to complete the full route at a comfortable walking pace. Shorter sections can also be completed as individual day walks or part of a weekend break.

Is the Snowdonia Slate Trail difficult?

The difficulty varies considerably. Some sections follow relatively easy riverside and woodland paths, while others include steep tracks, exposed uplands and challenging mountain terrain. Good preparation is important.

What are the highlights of the Snowdonia Slate Trail?

Highlights include the abandoned Dorothea and Cwmorthin quarries, Beddgelert, the River Glaslyn, the River Cynfal gorge, remote quarry settlements and the historic surroundings of Betws-y-Coed.

Can you walk the Snowdonia Slate Trail in sections?

Yes. The route is divided into individual sections, making it possible to explore smaller parts without completing the entire 83-mile circuit.