Llyn Crafnant from Trefriw

Route Description for Llyn Crafnant from Trefriw

From the public car park, cross over to the northern side of the river, then turn left and head west along Crafnant Rd. It’s a bit steep uphill as you leave the village behind, but the grade relaxes in short order, with plenty of small ups and downs comprising an overall ascent towards the lake. The lane may be rocky or muddy in places, but it’s a simple matter of following the river all the way to Llyn Crafnant itself.

As the river bends south, keep an eye out for the ruined stone structures of the old Klondyke Mill on your left. The name stems from an elaborate scam which took place around the 1920s. Investors were told that the mining tunnels adjacent to the mill were full of silver; Joseph Aspinall (the architect of the scam) even hired “workers” to provide the appearance of a working mine when investors came to visit. Yet no minerals had ever been found in these tunnels, and it wasn’t long until Aspinall was apprehended by Scotland Yard.

As you reach the lake, you’ll see paths along both shores - stay left to continue on the track you’ve come in on. An obelisk monument commemorates the gift of the lake to “the inhabitants of Llanrwst”, a small town just southeast of Trefriw. Continue down the eastern shores of Llyn Crafnant, passing a cafe then a campground as you reach its southern end.

Just under one kilometre from the campground, you’ll come to an intersection with paths that continue uphill ahead and another path firmly on your right. Turn and take that path, which crosses over the Afon Hendre. You may need to clamber over a stile along this rougher section. Two closely spaced poles mark your spot to turn right and head back towards Llyn Crafnant.

The path is rough at first, but soon widens into a forestry road as you reach the western flank of the lake. Yellow-topped poles lead the way north. This takes you all the way back to the road you came in on, at the northern end of the lake. From here, it’s a simple matter of retracing your steps back up the lane and along the river as you walk back to Trefriw.

Insider Hints for Llyn Crafnant from Trefriw

• About two-thirds of the way down Llyn Crafnant is a café, open from Easter until the end of the summer season. A great place to stop for a bite and a rest along the water!
• If you’re after a shorter walk (or something easier for the kids), you can drive right to the north end of the lake and park in the complimentary car park. There are also toilets here if needed.