Recreational Routes

Looking for a safe, traffic-free location for a spot of walking or cycling? Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Why not pay a visit to your local Lonydd Glas network?

In Gwynedd, we have over 50.5 kilometres (31½miles) of easy to find, free to use recreational routes for walking and cycling which are called Lonydd Glas (Recreational Routes). Gwynedd Council and the Snowdonia National Park Authority have been working together to bring you this leaflet, in which you will find information about the five Lonydd Glas to be found in Gwynedd.

These distinctive paths were established along disused railway lines and now form an extensive network. Situated in the picturesque Gwynedd countryside, this network is set in a region which is unique as regards to its landscape and people, and is a stronghold for the Welsh language.

In addition to enhancing your enjoyment of the Lonydd Glas, we consider that protecting the varied wildlife found in the verges along the paths to be an important part of management. The paths have been signposted and are easy to use, with most public services such as telephones and shops to be found at local villages. What better way to enjoy Gwynedd's green countryside than by following the Lonydd Glas network?

More information about cycling in Eryri

 

Some people might say that Lôn Eifion is the most well known and well used cycle route on the network. Certainly it is worth a visit, if only to feast your eyes on the breathtaking views. Indulge yourself in the blues and greens of the Llyn Peninsula to the south west, Caernarfon Bay and Anglesey to the west and north, and the impressive mountains of Snowdonia to the east.


Lôn Eifion is a green avenue of native trees and plants which stretches between the busy historical town of Caernarfon and the rural village of Bryncir to the south. A combination of tarmac (Llanwnda - Graianog) and compacted dust surfaces has been provided along its 20 kilometre (12 mile) length.


Lôn Eifion is part of Lôn Las Cymru, route number 8 on the National Cycle Network.

Lôn Eifion Map

Lôn Las Menai is a 6.5 kilometres (4 mile) path which runs between the historical fortified town of Caernarfon and the village of Y Felinheli.  From the path which was opened in spring 1995, you can catch a glimpse of the Isle of Anglesey, the green stretch of coast across the turbulent waters of the Menai Straits.


Running parallel with the Menai, the compacted dust path passes through urban areas and open countryside to the outskirts of y Felinheli.  Whilst in the village, the route follows Beach Road to the High Street, before rejoining the dust path by the playground.  Lôn Las Menai is part of Lôn Las Cymru, route number 8 on the National Cycle Network.

Lôn Las Menai Map

To walk this path south from Porth Penrhyn is like walking hand in hand with the river Cegin. This part of the route which runs between Porth Penrhyn and the village of Glasinfryn, was developed in the 1980's and is also known as Lôn Bach. The disused narrow gauge railway upon which the path was built, was constructed by the Penrhyn Estate to transport slate from the quarries at Bethesda for export at Porth Penrhyn.

Lôn Ogwen Map


Extending the route to Bethesda - 'Tynal Tywyll'

Work has started on an exciting project which will improve people’s access to the beautiful scenery in the heart of the Ogwen Valley.

Lôn Las Ogwen currently stretches from Porth Penrhyn on the outskirts of the city of Bangor to Tregarth. Work is underway to extend the route to Bethesda as part of the Communities and Nature strategic project – a £14.5million project led and managed by Countryside Council for Wales and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government. 

Once completed, the hope is that it will encourage more people to leave the car at home and choose to walk or cycle to work, school, to the shops or to see friends.

Photos of the ongoing work can be seen on Gwynedd Council's Facebook account

By now the work is nearing completion, and recently local residents and representatives have had a sneak-preview on an 800 metre long section of Lôn Las Ogwen which will open to the public in the coming weeks, and have named it the 'Tynal Tywyll', originating from the name that's been used by the local residents.

 

Following the completion of the work it will be possible to travel along the old railway tunnel between Tregarth and Bethesda without having to follow the main road and traffic.

 

From the popular village of Llanberis, the combined footpath/cycle track of Lôn Las Peris meanders lazily for 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) along the sheltered shore of Llyn Padarn. Shortly after the tunnel, the path connects onto the public road network from where you can walk or cycle through the villages of Brynrefail, Cwm y Glo and Llanrug, and possibly follow the Seiont River valley towards the busy town of Caernarfon. 


Alternatively, why not further explore the historic countryside of this spectacular slate valley known as the gateway to Snowdonia, by following country lanes to Deiniolen, Dinorwic or Penisarwaun, or alternatively by cycling up the stunningly beautiful valley towards Nant Peris?

Lôn peris Map

 

More information

For more information, please contact