WATKIN PATH

Steepest but finest walk, starts from Beddgelert, not for inexperienced.
Beyond the slate quarries the track was constructed by Sir Edward Watkin. The path diverges from the Capel Curig road to a point just beyond a chapel (Bethania) on the left and just short of a bridge - Pont Bethania- over the Glaslyn. Follow path to the left and when this forks (5 mins.) keep to rougher branch on the left, behind is the long ridge of Cnicht and pyramid of Yr Aran to the left as you ascend into Cwm-y-Llan. Two waterfalls are passed, close to the higher one is a gate into the Nature Reserve. Soon after entering the Reserve the ruins of an old copper mine are reached. Cross a stream (1½ hrs) to a ruined house, 4 mins beyond which is the Gladstone Rock, where Prime Minister Gladstone addressed a large crowd during the opening of the path in 1892. The track ends 7 mins further on by disused quarry workings of The South Snowdon Slate Quarry. The summit in view,the Watkin path, bears sharp right, for the long steep ascent to Bwlch Ciliau - The Pass of Retreat - on S.W. slopes of Lliwedd. As you approach (2¾ hrs) the ridge, a short detour to right affords magnificent view from edge, looking into Cwm Dyli, enclosed by Crib Goch. The ridge soon broadens and another short detour gives a fine view of Glaslyn below on the right. From the end of the ridge ascend leftward to Bwlch y Saethau, over loose scree (not difficult but care needed) across the rocky cone of Y Wyddfa, striking the Pitt's Head track 5 mins below the summit.

For a circular walk backtrack for about 500ft to reach a prominent rock where you follow a path to the right, down to Bwlch Main, to reach another junction. Turn left, following a less defined path at the head of Clogwyn Du to reach Bwlch Maendeyrn and then continue along broad ridge of Allt Maendeyrn. The path climbs at first but the descends to Bwlch Cwn Llan. A short-cut from here turns left down an indistinct path and finally an old tramway back to the Watkin Path and the Pont Bethania where you started.

An altenative,to the short cut involves a sharp climb of some 800 ft to Yr Aran. At the summit have a rest and enjoy superb views of the Nantile ridge (weather permitting!) before turning left (east) and descend the ridge, bearing left with the broadening ridge to rejoin the Watkin Path.