BSC24: Industry, Mythology & Ice Cream Walk (Sat)

Cycling BIG
BIG Spring Camp 2024
May 25
2024

30 people attending

0 places left

11 people waitlisted

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This is a 18km hike with 2 ascents and up to 5-6 hours of trekking.

This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2024.

Join Tom and OutdoorLads for a hiking tour into the history & legends of Cwm Bychan, through the leafy forests of the Aberglaslyn valley, navigating abandoned copper mine facilities nestled in a mountain pass, before treading carefully around Llyn Dinas and the ancient ruins of the Dinas Emrys castle, both steeped in history & Arthurian legend. All topped off with an award winning ice cream.

Starting off in Beddgelert, a charming Snowdonia village at the confluence of two rivers to form the River Glaslyn and home of the legend of Prince Llewelyn’s dog, Gelert. After parking in the main car park, we will walk through to the riverside and past Gelert’s grave. Then crossing the Welsh Highland Railway track, proceed riverside through the Aberglaslyn Pass along the narrow but picturesque Fisherman’s Walk to Pont Aberglaslyn. Following the path through the Nantmor forest and the ascent out into Cwm Bychan, navigating the abandoned mechanical remains of the 17th Century copper mine facilities. At the summit of the Cwm, we will descend down to the lake Llyn Dinas, the site of an Arthurian mythological battle; walking along its banks to start a second ascent, weather and time dependent, partly via the Watkin Path, stopping at the ancient ruins of Dinas Emrys castle, a relic of Iron Age history and Arthurian legend that was said to be built upon a giant dragon's tomb. We will then cross Merlin's Pool & waterfall before following the River Gwynant past the Sygun Copper Mine back to Beddgelert for some refreshments and amazing ice cream can be found (highly recommend the strawberry cheesecake flavour!)

This event is a circular walk, meeting at the BSC campsite first at 9:15am before driving to the nearby village of Beddgelert; carpooling available. It will be a full day so you’ll need a packed lunch, some snacks and plenty of fluid to drink. Walking boots are essential, as the ground is rough in places and may be wet and muddy, depending on the weather.

Note that this is not a stroll in the park: it’s a serious 18km walk with 2 ascents as we climb through the Cwm Bychan valley (ascent is approx 400 meters). On the day, I may need to shorten the hike if the weather is not ideal, but it will still be a great trip.

Approx Itinerary

9:15 - meet at BSC assembly point, leave for Beddgelert 9:20.

10:00 - arrive at Beddgelert.

13:00 - stop for lunch.

16:00/16:30 - Arrival back at Beddgelert for ice cream, maybe a beer/beverage.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?

We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like. 

If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads website. But please do not hesitate and contact Tom Benians if you have any questions.

Photo Credits: Taken by Tom Benians

Cwm Bychan Summit 2
Beddgelert 3
Merlin's Pool & Spec
Beddgelert 4
Beddgelert 5
Beddgelert 6
Beddgelert 7
Cwm Bychan Summit 2
Beddgelert 3
Merlin's Pool & Spec
Beddgelert 4
Beddgelert 5
Beddgelert 6
Beddgelert 7