Betws-y-coed and Llyn Elsi - The Gateway to Eryri
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This is similar to the walks carried out at Big Spring Camp but may well be slightly more autumnal rather than spring-like at this time of the year (it could even be wintery! :-o). Betws-y-coed is the gateway to Eryri National Park and is surrounded on all sides by stunning woodlands hiding a multitude of reservoirs.
Llyn Elsi is one of those reservoirs and supplies water for Betws-y-coed. It is one of the smaller lakes in this area and provides a nice walk around that isn't too strenuous. From Betws-y-coed we will make our way up to the lake, circle it and then make our way back through the woods and over the bridge to complete the circle.
In total, the walk is around 9 miles and the course is undulating. There will be a pub/café stop at the end of the walk.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. However, this is livestock country and you should know how to handle your pet around sheep, horses and cattle. There are also some stiles (of both the step and ladder variety) for your dog to negotiate.
The event leader is currently training a year old border collie, which will be present on the walk.
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Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
What to bring
The terrain that we will be covering is on and off-road, occasionally very muddy and stony, I would strongly suggest the kit list below for all lowland and hill walks for OutdoorLads.
- Water: bring at least two litres
- Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
- Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
- Boots: waterproof (or waterproof socks...) and breathable and designed for hiking. If you wear your best trainers they may get ruined.
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, I would recommend waterproof socks.
- Layered clothing: A t-shirt may well do if it is sunny but layers will help otherwise
- Trousers: ideally no jeans (weather dependent) as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and if it is warm, shorts are OK.
- We are in a wildlife area, so ticks are a problem and they can carry lymes disease. I would suggest a full check for ticks after the walk.
- There may also be stinging nettles
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Headtorch: The walk should finish before dark but given the time of year, a fully charged headtorch should be taken
- Hat or cap: to provide some shade from the sun
- Sunglasses: so you're not squinting in the sun
- Sun cream: Yes, essential even if overcast (Get a SFP30+ with UVA 5*, most supermarket own brands are good here)
- Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
- Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and a drink. You may want to bring some snacks to keep you going on the route
Bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated on what could be a hot or cool day. A flask works well!