Geirionydd Gorge

There is a fantastic scrambling route up Geirionydd Gorge, a really tricky start, which ends up being an easier scramble as you go up.

The Geirionydd Gorge lies in the hills to the north of Betws y Coed. The route offers a hard start followed by easy walking up a scenic gorge.

Old lead mines surround the gorge and offer some tunnel exploration. As with all gorges this is best done after dry weather during low flow. To reach the gorge drive up to Llyn Geirionydd (either from the Ugly House on the A5 or from the Conwy Valley) and park at the car park. Walk down the road to the north end of the lake. Here take a footpath that heads down on the east side of the river that flows out from the lake. This is the gorge. Continue down the path until you reach the old Klondyke Lead Mine and Mill.

There are some lengthy tunnels in the hill here that can be explored, although all branches eventually finish in dead ends. To start the scramble (765622) walk beside the stream on its right (west) side and approach the first slabs. These are quite technical despite there easy angle, but can be avoided by a path on the opposite bank.

Traverse along the slabs (easier for the tall!) using small handholds and good but scarce footholds. This is quite hard but perfectly safe; a fall would deposit you in the water. Continue along the slabs until they end and enter the bed of the gorge. The difficulties are over. Walk up the gorge with numerous tunnels to explore.

Around a corner a surprise awaits; the stream plunges a few metres into the ground before emerging from a shaft. Apparently this obstacle can be negotiated but water levels were too high on our visit. If this is the case then scramble up the dry stream bed to the left. Continue up the gorge and climb some final easy cascades.

You emerge back at the end of the Llyn Geirionydd.