Nant Colwyn

Valley in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Nant Colwyn

The Afon Colwyn at Beddgelert The Afon Colwyn passes under the A498 bridge and joins the Afon Glaslyn just beyond the houses in the distance. — The Afon Colwyn at Beddgelert Credit: Bob Walters

Nant Colwyn is a picturesque valley located in the county of Caernarfonshire, Wales. Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, this stunning valley is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The valley is characterized by its lush green landscapes, surrounded by towering mountains and dotted with sparkling streams and waterfalls. The River Colwyn meanders through the valley, adding to its charm and tranquility. The valley's elevation ranges from approximately 100 to 500 meters above sea level, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Nant Colwyn is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and walking trails crisscrossing the valley. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Snowdon Lily and the Red Squirrel. The valley is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species, including the majestic Golden Eagle, being spotted here.

The valley is also steeped in history and culture. It is dotted with ancient ruins, including the remains of a hillfort dating back to the Iron Age. The valley is also home to a number of traditional Welsh villages, where visitors can experience the warm hospitality and rich traditions of the local community.

Overall, Nant Colwyn is a true gem in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Nant Colwyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.02076/-4.119974 or Grid Reference SH5749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Afon Colwyn at Beddgelert

The Afon Colwyn passes under the A498 bridge and joins the Afon Glaslyn just beyond the houses in the distance.

Bob Walters

Nant Colwyn

When seen in high water at the confluence with the Glaslyn, the Nant Colwyn appears as a powerful brown torrent, but in more normal levels it runs clear, as seen here almost two kilometres above that confluence. Indeed, for April, it is quite low (although most Snowdonian rivers rise and fall very quickly) and presents an uninviting prospect to the kayak paddler. There is a sweet spot somewhere in between when the river is actually paddled, though low branches are always going to be a hazard.

Andy Waddington

Forest track south from Meillionen halt

It's a short hop from the Meillionen halt on the Welsh Highland Railway to reach this track (on the opposite side of the rails from the platform) which leads enticingly into the forest. At this point it is on CROW Access Land, but it does connect up with rights of way, both a footpath and a bridleway, some way ahead.

Andy Waddington

Footpath past Hafod Ryffydd Uchaf

At the bottom of the field, this is a bridleway, but here at the top gate, merely a footpath. Behind the photographer, it continues steeply upwards to reach one of the many forestry tracks in Beddgelert Forest, and the walker seeking to avoid wet feet (yes, that was us) will abandon it at that level for the easier gradient and firmer footing offered by the track.

Andy Waddington

How did you get down there, mum ?

There are two steep, rocky sections, in places a little scrambly, on the northeasterly descent from Moel Hebog, and this is about halfway down the lower, and easier, of the two, on which the dogs can find their way down mostly unsupervised, though they are inclined to take their time and watch carefully where their people have chosen to go. Usually, the route is picked out, and the beast rushes down just as the photographer prepares to press the shutter release. On this occasion, Teasel remained in place just long enough to be the perfect photographer's minion, enjoying the view to the fading light on Snowdon and Yr Aran - the latter becoming more prominent in the view as we lost height towards Beddgelert.

Andy Waddington

Tai Sygun

Ceri Thomas

Adfail / A ruin

Ceri Thomas

Russell at Beddgelert

Original Welsh Highland Railway locomotive Russell waits in the rain at Beddgelert station during the WHR100 event on the railway.

Gareth James

Double double Fairlies at Beddgelert

Double Fairlie locomotives David Lloyd George and Merddin Emrys pause at Beddgelert station on the Welsh Highland Railway during the WHR100 event on the line.

Gareth James

Double Fairlie at Cwm Cloch Isaf crossing

The fireman of double Fairlie locomotive David Lloyd George braves the rain as the train (double-headed with Merddin Emrys, out of sight) climbs away from Beddgelert.

Gareth James

Double double Fairlies at Beddgelert

Double Fairlie locomotives Merddin Emrys and David Lloyd George double-head a train for Porthmadog as it pauses in rather damp conditions at Beddgelert during the Welsh Highland Railway's WHR100 event.

Gareth James

Welsh Pony at Beddgelert station

Welsh Pony is seen at Beddgelert on arrival from Porthmadog during the Welsh Highland Railway's WHR100 event.

Gareth James

Welsh Pony at Beddgelert station

Large England 0-4-oST locomotive Welsh Pony pauses to take on water while running around its train at Beddgelert station. Its tank now having filled, water cascades over the side adding to the already soaked platform.

Gareth James

Double Fairlie at Cwm Cloch Isaf crossing

Double-headed double Fairlie locomotive David Lloyd George and Merddin Emrys climb away from Beddgelert and are seen at the lower Cwm Cloch Isaf crossing.

Gareth James

Russell near Beddgelert

Original Welsh Highland locomotive Russell heads towards the Aberglaslyn Pass after departing Beddgelert with a train for Porthmadog during the WHR100 Welsh Highland Railway Centenary event.

Gareth James