Llyn Padarn and Dolbadarn Castle
Round the lake at Llanberis, past a Welsh prince's castle and the old slate quarries.
- Distance
- 10.9 km
- Ascent
- 230 m
- Time
- 3–4 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 232 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Llyn Padarn and Dolbadarn Castle is a moderate 10.9 km circular walk with 230 m of ascent, taking 3 to 4 hours. It starts at Llanberis (grid reference SH 577 603). The start can be reached by public transport.
Llyn Padarn fills the valley floor at Llanberis, beneath the terraces of the Dinorwig slate quarry. Dolbadarn Castle, a round tower built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, guards the pass at its head. The walk loops right round the lake, through Padarn Country Park on one side and along the Lôn Las Peris path on the other.
On a clear day Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) fills the view at the head of the valley.
Route
-
1
Dolbadarn Castle
Walk from the village to the castle at the head of the lake.
-
2
Round the lake
Follow the north shore through the country park to Brynrefail and return along the south side.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Llyn Padarn and Dolbadarn Castle take?
- Most walkers take 3–4 hours for the 10.9 km route, which has 230 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Llanberis (grid reference SH 577 603). Pay car parks in Llanberis.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- The Snowdon Sherpa bus and buses from Bangor and Caernarfon serve Llanberis. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Surfaced paths, woodland trails and a short road section.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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