The best walks and hikes around Tanygrisiau Reservior
4.5
(1524)
12,858
hikers
219
hikes
Hikes around Tanygrisiau Reservoir explore a landscape shaped by both nature and industry within Snowdonia National Park. The area is defined by the rugged Moelwyn mountains, the reservoir itself, and the remnants of a historic slate-quarrying industry. Trails here range from waterside paths to challenging mountain ascents, often featuring views of waterfalls and disused quarries.
Best hiking trails around Tanygrisiau Reservoir
- The most popular hiking route is the Tanygrisiau reservoir loop, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail that takesโฆ
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.7
(59)
336
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(25)
52
hikers
4.98km
01:20
50m
60m
Hike the easy 3.1-mile Tanygrisiau reservoir loop in Snowdonia National Park, offering views of the reservoir and industrial heritage.
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5.0
(4)
54
hikers
16.6km
05:45
830m
830m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(6)
46
hikers
7.88km
02:54
510m
510m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
32
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Cwmorthin Slate Quarry is an impressive area, a magical hanging industrial valley above Tan y Grisiau that highlights Wales' industrial heritage with its massive works and ruins. It was in operation between 1810 and 1939 and has five different underground levels which were serviced with extensive trackways and machinery. Many of the surface buildings, such as the slate mills, can still be seen. If you are a photographer, this is the place to come in the early summer light or the cold winter mist.
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In my opinion the best way to view the damn is be traversing the ridge of Craigysgafn from Moelwym Mawr to Moelwym Bach. Allowing you to take in the damn and surroundings area from many different vantage points
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Rainbows on mountains tend to be a mixed blessing as they are a pretty sure sign that you are about to get wet! However from the photographers point of view they can also signal some great light, with sun mixed in with dark moody clouds. This was the view from near the summit of Cnicht - otherwise sometimes called the Welsh Matterhorn due to its pointy appearance from the village of Croesor. To the right of the picture is Moel Hebog which rises steeply above the pictuesque village of Beddgelert.
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The long abandoned Barracks and Mill buildings of Rhosydd Quarry in the Moelwyn mountains of North Wales on a changeable day last September. A break in the heavy cloud allowed a burst of sunlight through that lit up the shiny slate rubble to make it look a bit like water. The dark buildings stood out against the lower slopes of Foel Ddu.
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The flat topped summit can be difficult in mist, hard to find the very top, and also to navigate off to find the route to Moelwyn Fach - you have to double back, and then descend to the right.
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The spartan barracks at Rhosydd, a hard place to live and work, not far from the summit of a mountain.
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A fine rocky and in places narrow ridge, and you will often have it all to yourself!
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Car park gets full up top so park sensibly park close to next car gives more space for others. Donโt park in front of gate as this is used by farmer Go Below and mountain/cave rescue. More parking available at bottom of hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly walks around Tanygrisiau Reservoir?
Yes, the area is very welcoming to dogs. Most trails, including the main reservoir circuit, are suitable for walking with a dog. After your hike, the cafe near the Tanygrisiau station is also dog-friendly, providing a convenient place to relax.
What are the parking options at Tanygrisiau Reservoir?
Free parking is available in a car park near the Tanygrisiau railway station and the start of the reservoir circuit. This serves as a convenient base for most of the popular hikes in the area.
Can I get to the Tanygrisiau trails using public transport?
Yes, Tanygrisiau has its own station on the historic Ffestiniog Railway line. This provides a scenic and practical way to access the trails directly without a car, connecting from towns like Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks available?
The Tanygrisiau reservoir loop is an excellent choice for a family outing. It's a relatively flat 3.1-mile (5 km) path around the water's edge with a mix of slate gravel and grass surfaces, offering great views without a strenuous climb.
I'm looking for a hike with waterfalls. What do you recommend?
For a scenic walk featuring a waterfall, consider the Cwmorthin Falls โ Stwlan Dam loop. This easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route takes you past the beautiful Cwmorthin Falls and offers views of the impressive Stwlan Dam high above the main reservoir.
What is the terrain like on the trails around the reservoir?
The terrain varies significantly. The path directly around the reservoir is mostly flat on slate gravel and grass. As you venture into the surrounding hills, trails become steeper and more rugged, with rocky sections and potentially boggy areas, especially on the mountain routes. Walking boots are recommended for anything beyond the main reservoir loop.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
Yes, for a tough but rewarding day, the Rhosydd Chapel Ruins โ Cnicht Summit loop is a difficult 10.4-mile (16.7 km) trek. It involves a significant ascent of over 800 meters to the summit of Cnicht, known as the 'Welsh Matterhorn', providing panoramic views.
Can I explore the area's slate mining history on a hike?
Absolutely. The region's industrial past is a key feature. The Cwmorthin Slate Mill โ Rhosydd Chapel Ruins loop is a moderate 6.5-mile (10.5 km) hike that takes you through a landscape filled with disused quarries, mills, and the atmospheric ruins of Rhosydd Chapel.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Tanygrisiau?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 1,400 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the unique combination of dramatic mountain scenery, fascinating industrial heritage, and the accessibility of the trails for different fitness levels.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There is a wide variety of options, with over 200 marked trails and routes in the Tanygrisiau area. These range from 74 easy walks to over 100 moderate routes and more than 40 difficult mountain hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every type of hiker.
Is there a cafe or place to eat after a hike?
Yes, there is a cafe located near the Tanygrisiau railway station, which is a popular spot for hikers to grab refreshments before or after their walk. It's conveniently situated at the start and end point for the main reservoir circuit.
What kind of views can I expect on a more strenuous mountain hike?
For a challenging climb with rewarding views, the Moelwyn Mawr from Tan-y-grisiau loop is a great option. This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) route involves a significant ascent that opens up to expansive views over Snowdonia, the Dwyryd Estuary, and the surrounding slate landscape.
Most popular routes around Tanygrisiau Reservior
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