ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

THE SNOWDONIA SLATE TRAIL

START: Bangor, GR SH580722 FINISH: Bethesda, GR SH622668 Distance: 134km / 83 miles Ascent: 4450m / 14,600ft Duration: 4-7 days

Difficulty: Moderate. Not as challenging or remote as the Cape Wrath Trail but more challenging than Hadrian’s Wall. A shorter Pennine Way. Hill fitness is required for the ascents, as well as the ability to navigate.

Accommodation: There is a good selection of accommodation (including campsites), especially in the northern section. Some more planning is required in the south of the route, which is less visited and therefore has fewer accommodation options.

Transport: Public transport can be taken to the start and from the finish. The closest train station is at Bangor. Buses are available close to other sections.

Supplies: Food can be bought at towns and villages along the route. There are no shops between Beddgelert and Llanberis or between Betws-y-Coed and Llan Ffestiniog. Clothing and equipment shops can be found in Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed.

Maps and route: The route is covered by OS Explorer maps OL17 and OL18. Info on the route can be found on the website (below).

More information: snowdoniaslatetrail.org and the Snowdonia Slate Trail guidebook by Aled Owen (Rucksack Readers, £12.99)