Aberglaslyn Pass

The Aberglaslyn Pass is a narrow, wooded gorge on the Afon Glaslyn, on the old border between Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire, and the walk through it from Beddgelert is one of the easiest scenic outings in this part of Eryri. In the early nineteenth century the river here was navigable by small boats at high tide, as far as the bridge, Pont Aberglaslyn, at the top of the pass.

The Fisherman’s Path runs along the riverbank through the gorge; the National Trust owns the surrounding land and rebuilt the path around 2000. It follows the water closely, on rock in places with metal handholds fixed at the awkward steps, but there is no significant climbing involved. The restored Welsh Highland Railway now runs through the same pass on the opposite bank, including a tunnel around 300 yards long. For several decades after the original line closed in 1937, walkers used the old trackbed and tunnels themselves, but that route is no longer open to the public now the railway operates again, and the Fisherman’s Path is the current way through on foot.

This is a there-and-back walk of about two kilometres, flat and well within reach of families, and dogs are welcome on a lead. It suits anyone wanting a short, low-effort walk through a gorge rather than a mountain day. It does not suit anyone after a full day out or any serious elevation gain, since the whole route stays close to the riverbank.