The New Precipice Walk from Llanelltyd

Sam Roebuck

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A peaceful start crossing the old stone bridge over the meandering River Mawddach leads us to a false sense of security, because as soon as we enter the village of Llanelltyd, the climbing begins. Whilst in the village, the climb isn't too steep, but as soon as we leave, we start ascending very quickly.

The climb seems relentless and you may start to wonder if the path will ever level off. There's brief respite as you cross the dam of the beautiful Llyn Tan-y-graig Reservoir, but then the ascent begins again. Eventually however, you're rewarded with the first beautiful view of the day - the path in front of you dropping slightly. Breath a sigh of relief; any climbs from now on will be short.

Soon we leave woodland for higher moorland above the New Precipice Walk and here the views really start to kick in - Cadair Idris to your left, the Mawddach Estuary and the sea in front and the Coed-y-Brenin Forest behind. The New Precipice Walk rises to meet us and we follow it to its end at the remote farm of Foel-Ispri-Uchaf.

Now we drop back into the forest for a return through woodland. Some of these woods are beautifully mixed and alive with wildlife, but others are eerily quiet single-species, planted in regimental straight lines. The network of paths takes us back to Llyn Tan-y-graig, where we leave the forest and drop to Llanelltyd, returning via the old village through-road.

Dog owners, please note the possible presence of sheep on the high part of this walk and also a few distinctly dog-unfriendly ladder-stiles.

Wales - North Wales - Caernarfonshire - Snowdonia

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Mountains, Public Transport, River, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland
6/17/2013 - Brian Foster

A generally well described route although I struggled in a couple of places and was glad that I had my smartphone with GPS and digital mapping. The car park is free but the toilets were still locked and no longer seem to be in use. Step 6 - the ladder-stile has been removed. Step 7 - there is a new footbridge so no need to ford the stream. Step 11 - I aimed too low to the left after crossing the stone wall (about 100m above the tree line on the left). Consequently, I was some way off the gap/ladder stile but simply turned right to follow the wall line uphill until finding the gap/ladder stile. I found Step 15 a little confusing but still made it to the cross paths at Step 16 where I turned left. Step 21 there are a few 'official' signposts and these are supplemented by both red & white and green & yellow tape which show the way. Step 24 - the ladder-stile has been replaced by a lower 2 step stile. Step 25 - the gap in the fence now has a gate with a ladder-stile alongside. Although I may have strayed in one or two places, my GPS made this walk 5.75 miles with a total ascent of 2,160ft.

8/19/2006 - Stephen Harris

An outstanding walk with superb instructions. Some great views but care needs to be taken on the precipice bits as its a little near the edge. But fantastic views and great directions make for a truly rewarding walk. 9/10.