Cwm Du

Valley in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Cwm Du

Welsh Highland Railway train near Betws Garmon Welsh Highland Railway Garratt locomotive No.K1 about to pass under the A4085 in Nant-y-Betws with a train from Caernarfon to Rhyd-Ddu, which was the terminus of the line at the time.
Welsh Highland Railway train near Betws Garmon Credit: Bob Walters

Cwm Du is a small valley located in the county of Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated near the village of Beddgelert, it lies within the Snowdonia National Park, offering breathtaking natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains, including the renowned peak of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

Cwm Du is characterized by its lush green slopes, dense woodlands, and picturesque meadows. The valley is intersected by a crystal-clear river that meanders through its heart, adding to its scenic charm. The river provides a habitat for various species of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The valley is also home to a number of walking trails, including the famous Watkin Path that leads up to the summit of Snowdon. These trails attract hikers and climbers from all over the world, who come to witness the awe-inspiring views from the valley and challenge themselves with the mountainous terrain.

Cwm Du is steeped in history and folklore, with ancient ruins and remnants of settlements dotting the landscape. The valley has been inhabited for centuries, and evidence of early human activity can still be found in the form of stone circles and burial mounds.

Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, with visitors flocking to Cwm Du to experience its natural wonders and engage in outdoor activities. Accommodation options in the valley range from cozy bed and breakfasts to campsites, catering to a variety of preferences.

Overall, Cwm Du in Caernarfonshire is a hidden gem nestled within the stunning Snowdonia National Park, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historical intrigue. It is truly a haven for nature lovers and a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility in the heart of Wales.

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Cwm Du Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.077862/-4.1854564 or Grid Reference SH5355. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Welsh Highland Railway train near Betws Garmon Welsh Highland Railway Garratt locomotive No.K1 about to pass under the A4085 in Nant-y-Betws with a train from Caernarfon to Rhyd-Ddu, which was the terminus of the line at the time.
Welsh Highland Railway train near Betws Garmon
Welsh Highland Railway Garratt locomotive No.K1 about to pass under the A4085 in Nant-y-Betws with a train from Caernarfon to Rhyd-Ddu, which was the terminus of the line at the time.
Tomenydd llechi Moel Tryfan / Moel Tryfan slate tips
Tomenydd llechi Moel Tryfan / Moel Tryfan slate tips
Cors fynydd / An upland bog
Cors fynydd / An upland bog
Maen ar Fynydd Mawr / A boulder on The Elephant
Maen ar Fynydd Mawr / A boulder on The Elephant
Carnedd ar gopa Mynydd Mawr / Cairn on the summit of The Elephant Snowdon is in the background.
Carnedd ar gopa Mynydd Mawr / Cairn on the summit of The Elephant
Snowdon is in the background.
Dyffryn Nantlle, Eryri Clogwyn y Barcut (438m), the Dyffryn Nantlle valley and the Craig y Bera cliffs. Ref:PC200076.
Dyffryn Nantlle, Eryri
Clogwyn y Barcut (438m), the Dyffryn Nantlle valley and the Craig y Bera cliffs. Ref:PC200076.
Craig y Bera cliffs, Eryri The Craig y Bera cliffs above the Dyffryn Nantlle valley. Ref:PC200077.
Craig y Bera cliffs, Eryri
The Craig y Bera cliffs above the Dyffryn Nantlle valley. Ref:PC200077.
Craig y Bera, Eryri Bryn Gwyn (291m), in front of the Craig y Bera Cliffs of Mynydd Mawr (698m), viewed from the B4418 road to the west of Rhyd-ddu. Ref:PC200079a2.
Craig y Bera, Eryri
Bryn Gwyn (291m), in front of the Craig y Bera Cliffs of Mynydd Mawr (698m), viewed from the B4418 road to the west of Rhyd-ddu. Ref:PC200079a2.
Foel Rudd and Llyn Cwellyn Descending Mynydd Mawr above the excellent Craig y Bera cliffs, Foel Rudd is a small rise on the eastern spur of the mountain. Llyn Cwellyn and the Snowdon group beyond.
Foel Rudd and Llyn Cwellyn
Descending Mynydd Mawr above the excellent Craig y Bera cliffs, Foel Rudd is a small rise on the eastern spur of the mountain. Llyn Cwellyn and the Snowdon group beyond.
Looking towards Hafod Caeronwy
Looking towards Hafod Caeronwy
Track to the slate waste There are waste heaps from abandoned slate mines everywhere...
Track to the slate waste
There are waste heaps from abandoned slate mines everywhere...
Across a soggy moor towards Mynydd Mawr There should be a path here somewhere, but after recent rains it seemed easier just to follow the driest ground. Ahead is the bulk of Mynydd Mawr and its steep northern flank which is Cwm Du.
Across a soggy moor towards Mynydd Mawr
There should be a path here somewhere, but after recent rains it seemed easier just to follow the driest ground. Ahead is the bulk of Mynydd Mawr and its steep northern flank which is Cwm Du.
Bryn-castell, Abandoned Homestead
Bryn-castell, Abandoned Homestead
Castell Caeronwy A smallholding below Mynydd Mawr.
Castell Caeronwy
A smallholding below Mynydd Mawr.
Heather and Heath
Heather and Heath
On Mynydd Mawr View towards the Nantlle Ridge from near the summit.
On Mynydd Mawr
View towards the Nantlle Ridge from near the summit.
Gully, Craig y Bera View across to Y Garn and Mynydd Drws-y-coed on the Nantlle Ridge.
Gully, Craig y Bera
View across to Y Garn and Mynydd Drws-y-coed on the Nantlle Ridge.
Old Milestone Old milestone on the A4085 near to Betws Garmon, Gwynedd. For overall view see <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5070518" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5070518">Link</a>
Old Milestone
Old milestone on the A4085 near to Betws Garmon, Gwynedd. For overall view see Link
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Cwm Du is located at Grid Ref: SH5355 (Lat: 53.077862, Lng: -4.1854564)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///copper.growth.savings. Near Talysarn, Gwynedd

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.077862,-4.1854564
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 53.0805375/-4.1845049
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 53.080327/-4.1872129
Saxifrage Gully
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 53.0737264/-4.1856781
Avalanch Gully
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 53.0743557/-4.1873036
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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