The Car-free Itinerary
What? A four mile walk to visit a craggy masterpiece built by Llywelyn the Great
Where? Dolwyddelan, Conwy
Cadw site to see: Castell Dolwyddelan
Most ‘Instagrammable’ spot: views of Moel Siabod and the area’s rolling green hills captured from the top of Castle’s well preserved tower.
With daily trains to Dolwyddelan from Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog, this itinerary offers the perfect opportunity to ditch the car and walk in the footsteps of Wales’ medieval princes.
Begin your day at Dolwyddelan Train Station and upon arrival, embark upon a 2.5hr hike through picturesque farmland to discover the solitary sentinel of Castell Dolwyddelan. Details of the recommended circular route can be found here.
The magnificent keep was at one time the property of the Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales, Llywelyn Fawr — also known as Llywelyn the Great. And, with a little restorative help from the Victorians, this 13th-century fortress is now a masterpiece just waiting to be explored.
End your day with a visit to Elen’s Castle Hotel and Restaurant — which boasts views over the Lledr Valley and is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Castle. Elen’s offers a cosy night’s stay and delicious home cooked food in its Siabod Restaurant — named after the mountain ‘Moel Siabod’ which is 872m or 2861 feet high and rises from the village.
