BSC2022: Roman Bridge to Llanrwst Walk (Friday 09:45)
11 people attending
19 places left
This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2022.
If you want a long walk on the Friday of BSC, this may be the event for you! It is a linear walk and initially we’ll walk to the train station and take a train west from Llanrwst to Roman Bridge – ticket price will be £5.20 (single fare). The station takes its name from a nearby ancient bridge – the Pont Rufenig - over the Afon Lledr. From here, we’ll walk back to the BSC campsite: approx. 13 miles / 21 kilometres with two distinct ascents totalling 460 metres.
For this walk you'll need to be fit and have good, waterproof boots for a long walk along gravel tracks, forest trails and open moorland. It is likely to be boggy and wet in places. You’ll also need a packed lunch, some snacks for along the way and plenty of fluid to drink.
Soon after the start of the walk, we’ll pass Dolwyddelan Castle, the 12th century stronghold of Prince Llywelyn the Great. We then walk over over the ridge between the hills of Moel Siabod (872 metres) and Mynydd Cribau (345 metres) before dropping down into the valley of the Afon Llugwy, west of Betws-y-Coed. Here we’ll see the impressive Swallow Falls and follow the river valley for a short distance before climbing up into the Gwydyr Forest. The forest is largely fir trees planted by the Forestry Commission but there are open spaces, small lakes and the remains of lead, zinc and iron mines (which date from the 1800s and finally closed in the 1940s). We’ll pass by the Hafna Mine, one of the most significant industrial remains. The route through the forest takes us north-east, along forest roads, back to the BSC campsite.
There is an option for individuals to shorten the walk by leaving the group shortly after Swallow Falls, and following the riverside path into Betws-y-Coed, from where you could catch a train back to Llanrwst. This will take around 2 miles off the length of the walk.
A plot of the OS Maps route is here
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
Photo credits: all photos by ODL members, with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is also a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events in order to keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, fruit and snacks for along the way and plenty of water or other fluids (one to two litres) to drink.