Lôn Eifion from Caernarfon south to Bryncir
This long railway path starts near the atmospheric castle in Caernarfon and climbs south alongside the Welsh Highland Railway past Llanwnda and Penygroes to Bryncir with wonderful views west out to Caernarfon Bay and east to the foothills of Snowdonia.
Caernarfon is dominated by the towers and battlements of the mighty castle, built for Edward I in the 13th century to command the entrance to the Menai Strait. Its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour-banded walls were designed to echo Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream castle ‘the fairest that man ever saw’ of Welsh myth and legend. In 1969 the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
Lôn Eifion’s highpoint is reached after almost 500ft of climbing, just below the radio mast, about two miles south of Penygroes. The path forms part of National Cycle Network Route 8, known as Lôn Las Cymru which links Holyhead to Cardiff. You may wish to break your journey with a visit to the Inigo Jones Slateworks at Groeslon, about 4 miles south of Caernarfon, to see craftsmen cut, shape and polish raw slate slabs into practical products such as steps, kitchen worktops and a multitude of craft items. There is also a cafe attached.
Natural attractions:
- Views of Snowdonia
Visitor attractions:
- Caernarfon Castle
- Welsh Highland Railway
- Inigo Jones Slateworks
Route submitted by: Sustrans
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Key route details
- Region/Area:
Gwynedd
- Distance:
12 miles one way
- Time needed:
3-4 hours
- Classification:
Moderate
- Traffic:
All traffic-free
- Surface:
Tarmac / Gravel
- NCN Route:
National Route 8
- Start:
Caernarfon Castle
- Finish:
Bryncir
- Cycle hire:
Beics Menai Cycles, Caernarfon. tel: 01286 676804 www.beicsmenai.co.uk
- Access:
Train stations at Bangor and Criccieth
- Maps and guides:
-
Lôn Las Cymru - North NN8B £5.99
- Links with:
Lôn Las Menai from Caernarfon to Y Felinheli
- Weather:
-
Sat
max: 18°C min: 13°C
-
Sun
max: 16°C min: 13°C
-
Mon
max: 17°C min: 13°C
-
Tue
max: 16°C min: 9°C
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