Discover the sparkling mountain streams, dramatic valleys, lush wooded hillsides, and expansive moorland along the Snowdonia Way, a remarkable long-distance trail winding through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Spanning 156km (97 miles) from Machynlleth in the south to Conwy in the north, this iconic route leads you through a landscape steeped in history, from ancient druids and Roman invaders to the legends of King Arthur and the great Welsh princes.

Perfect for adventurous walkers able to tackle a day on rolling terrain with a backpack, this comprehensive guidebook breaks the Snowdonia Way into 6 manageable daily stages, including an alternative high-level route through the mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter fascinating relics of the region's industrial heritage, spot wildlife and cascading waterfalls, and enjoy welcoming pubs and cafés.

• The Snowdonia Way is described from Machynlleth in the south to Conwy in the north, with each stage featuring 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps to guide you confidently through the key towns, villages, and landscapes along the route.
• Stage-by-stage route descriptions lead you from the historic market town of Machynlleth, through vibrant communities such as Beddgelert and Bethesda, to the castle town of Conwy on the north coast.
• Opt for the alternative 9-stage high-level route to traverse Eryri's most dramatic mountains, summiting iconic peaks like Cadair Idris near Dolgellau, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) above Llanberis, Cnicht, and the Glyders, while experiencing breathtaking views across Snowdonia's heartland.
• Clear, step-by-step directions are supported by detailed maps and downloadable GPX files, ensuring easy navigation whether you're crossing open moorland above Machynlleth or descending to the coastal walls of Conwy, using either GPS devices or smartphone apps.
• Each stage provides distance, walking time, ascent, terrain summary, and highlights of the route, helping you plan every step from Machynlleth to Conwy and the villages and valleys in between.
• Detailed 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps offer precise navigation on every stage, whether you're navigating the foothills above Dolgellau, the wooded valleys near Beddgelert, or the open ridges leading to Conwy.
• Each stage lists refreshment stops and accommodation options in welcoming towns and villages along the way, including Machynlleth, Dolgellau, Beddgelert, Bethesda, and the historic walled town of Conwy, so you can rest and refuel throughout your adventure.

Plan your Snowdonia Way adventure with confidence and experience the best of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park with this definitive guidebook to one of Wales' finest long-distance walks.

Alex Kendall is a mountain leader, working in summer and winter throughout the UK and abroad, leading groups on day walks, challenges and long distance journeys. He enjoys getting people into the outdoors, especially through supervising Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions and running weekend walking trips for adults. He has been walking in Eryri (Snowdonia) for over 10 years having been introduced to these mountains as a student.

CONTENTS Map key Transport map Overview map Route summary table Introduction The Snowdonia Way Landscape Plants and wildlife Geology History Understanding Welsh When to go Getting there Accommodation Planning your itinerary Route difficulty What to take Maps and GPS Safety Using this guide The Snowdonia Way Stage 1 Machynlleth to Dolgellau Stage 1A Machynlleth to Abergynolwyn (mountain route) Stage 1B Abergynolwyn to Dolgellau (mountain route) Stage 2 Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd Stage 2A Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd (mountain route) Stage 3 Trawsfynydd to Beddgelert Stage 3A Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth (mountain route) Stage 3B Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert (mountain route) Stage 4 Beddgelert to Dolwyddelan Stage 4A Beddgelert to Pen-y-Pass (mountain route) Stage 4B Pen-y-Pass to Capel Curig (mountain route) Stage 5 Dolwyddelan to Bethesda Stage 5A Capel Curig to Bethesda (mountain route) Stage 6 Bethesda to Conwy Stage 6A Bethesda to Conwy (mountain route) Appendix A Accommodation Appendix B Facilities tables Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Further reading