The Precipice Walk above Dolgellau

The walk starts from the Saith Groesffordd car park on the Llanfachreth road above Dolgellau. A path leads west through woodland to the north end of Llyn Cynwch and up onto the open hillside. It goes round the north end of Foel Cynwch, looking over Coed y Brenin, then turns south along the steep west flank of the hill, high above the Mawddach valley: this is the Precipice, with views to the estuary and Cadair Idris. At the southern end the path turns east and drops to Llyn Cynwch, and the way back is along the shore of the lake.

It is 5.7 km with 49 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy.

The path on the Precipice is narrow and uneven in places, cut across a steep slope: it is safe, but not for those with a severe fear of heights. There are several gates. This is not a public footpath: the Nannau estate has invited the public to walk here since 1890, so please keep dogs on a lead and keep to the path. Swimming in Llyn Cynwch, a reservoir, is not allowed.

There are toilets at the car park. Buses from Dolgellau to Llanfachreth are infrequent.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.