The mountainous area around the historic market town of Dolgellau in southern Snowdonia offers some of the finest hikes in North Wales. One of the most popular is the moderate Precipice Walk. Despite its dramatic name, it is a relatively easy, family-friendly circular route that offers vibrant colours in summer and breathtaking panoramas across the Mawddach Estuary.
I had initially set out to do just that walk, but on the opposite side lies the quieter, lesser-known Foel Offrwm. It starts from exactly the same car park as the Precipice Walk, so, with my vehicle already parked and plenty of light left in the afternoon, I decided to give it a go. What I discovered is a peaceful and atmospheric trail that takes you to a rocky summit crowned with the remains of an ancient hillfort, rewarding walkers with equally striking views over the estuary and mountain ranges all around.
Whether you’re planning to do both hikes in one day, as I did, or just one of them, this article will provide all the information you need, as well as a visual step-by-step guide. And if you subscribe to our newsletter, you can also gain access to mobile-friendly PDF guides.
Note: There is another, longer hike in the area with a similar name—the New Precipice Walk, located on the opposite side of the river. We describe it in detail in a separate article.
IN A NUTSHELL
Precipice Walk / Foel Offrwm
How long are they? Both circular hikes are roughly 3.5 miles long and will take just under two hours to complete.
How easy are they? There are some steep ascents, and the trail narrows in places and can be very rocky. Sections of the Foel Offrwm route also include narrow paths with tall vegetation.
Can I bring my children? Children aged eight and above should manage the walks quite well, but be aware that there are narrow stretches along the precipice. As always, you know your children best and what they are capable of.
Accessibility: The steep ascents and rocky nature of both trails make them unsuitable for those with mobility issues. However, there is a circular walk around Llyn Cynwch that is easier, mostly flat, and more accessible—though some parts may still prove difficult for wheelchair users. When I visited, there was a fallen tree across the path on the western side of the lake, which will hopefully be cleared in due course.
Where can I park? There is a free car park at the start of both walks.
Can I get there by public transport? Yes, the FF1 Fflecsi bus stops at the car park, though it only runs Monday to Friday at select times.
Are there any amenities nearby? The car park has public toilets and two 7kW EV chargers. For everything else, the nearest town is Dolgellau.
How To Get There
There is a dedicated free car park – Saithgroesffordd – at the start of both walks. Getting there involves driving along narrow country lanes but, unless you happen to meet a lorry coming the other way (as I did!), you shouldn’t encounter too much difficulty. The car park is equipped with toilets and two slow 7kW EV chargers.
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The FF1 Fflecsi bus from Llanfachreth towards Nannau stops at the car park (it may be a request stop, so be sure to let the driver know when you board). You can catch the bus from Dolgellau, but note that it only runs Monday to Friday, twice a day, with times varying according to school and college terms. For up-to-date information, check the timetable on the Lloyd Coaches website.
Precipice Walk Map and Route
From the car park, you follow a gentle track before passing through a gate and starting the ascent. From here the trail gradually narrows, with sections containing a fair number of rocks and stones embedded in the ground.
After passing the precipice and main viewpoint, the route curves back towards Llyn Cynwch. Once you reach the lake, the path widens and becomes mostly flat. There are several spots where you can sit and rest, or enjoy a picnic, before returning to the car park.
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Precipice Walk Step by Step Guide
At the top of the car park you’ll find a large sign pointing to the different trails. Take the path to the right and follow the gentle gravel track for about half a mile (800 m). The trail then makes a sharp left turn towards the woodland, passing a cottage on your right. Shortly afterwards, the path splits in two, but both directions lead to the same green gate just a few metres ahead.
Go through the gate and follow the track heading towards the lake for a few metres. At the fork, take the grassy path to the right and begin ascending alongside the stone wall.
The path gradually narrows as you climb, with some rocky and muddy stretches. From here you’ll start to enjoy wonderful views of the valley and surrounding hills, where the lush greens of grass and bushes contrast with the vibrant purples of summer heather, creating a striking landscape.
As the rocky path bends south, you begin to follow the line of the precipice, with sweeping views down towards the Mawddach river. Take care here, as some sections are quite narrow and uneven. You’ll also pass through a couple of gates along the way—remember to close them behind you before continuing.
After roughly a mile (1.6 km), you’ll reach a large viewpoint with superb vistas of the Mawddach estuary and the sea beyond. There is a bench here, along with flat rocks that make excellent picnic spots—which a few walkers were making the most of when I passed by.
From the viewpoint, go through the gate in the stone wall heading south-east. The path soon begins to curve back downhill. After passing through another gate, you’ll find yourself just a short distance from Llyn Cynwch. Turn left and follow the trail around the lake.
The shores of Llyn Cynwch offer another fine picnic stop—I found a perfect bench beneath a tree where I could rest and enjoy my sandwich.
From here, continue past a fallen tree until you rejoin the outward path near the green metal gate. Follow it back the way you came to return to the car park.
Foel Offrwm – Map and Route
The walk begins opposite the car park and climbs straight away along a dirt path beneath the trees. As you ascend, you’ll quickly be rewarded with views of the surrounding valley, while passing through a couple of gates and making your way through stretches of thick vegetation. The route curves around the hillside, with woodland on your right, before reaching a junction near the end where an optional path branches off to the summit of Foel Offrwm.
Free PDF guide!
- If you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll get access to our exclusive members’ area, where you can download a mobile-friendly PDF guide and a GPX file of this walk.
Foel Offrwm – Step by Step Guide
Walk to the top of the car park and turn left, crossing the road to reach another large sign on the opposite side showing the different paths available. From here, turn right and begin ascending a dirt path alongside a stone wall, passing through a gate and ducking under a fallen tree.
Continue as the path gradually drifts away from the wall, weaving through sections of woodland and thick vegetation.
Leaving the woods behind, the views of the valley begin to open up. Follow the trail and you’ll soon come to a series of wooden steps. Climb up and continue along the path as it narrows, before passing through a small metal gate.
Here the vegetation and flowering shrubs crowd the trail, making it quite narrow, before you pass through another gate and step onto a distinctive rocky section.
The route climbs steadily, with the path widening slightly before narrowing again as it descends through tall vegetation. You’ll then reach woodland on your right, where the trail runs beside a fence. This stretch is uneven, with many roots underfoot, so take care. Pass through another gate and the path broadens as it rises, offering a few viewpoints and a bench where you can stop for a rest.
As you near the end of the circular route, look out for a path branching off to your left, marked by a stone on the ground. This optional detour climbs steeply to the summit of Foel Offrwm. It’s only about half a mile (800 m) but the ascent is demanding.
Halfway up you’ll find a bench with fine views—an ideal place for a quick break and some water—before continuing to the top.
At the summit you’ll find the remains of an ancient hillfort and a breathtaking 360˚ panorama. From here you can enjoy sweeping views across the Mawddach estuary and a wide arc of mountains: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Moelwynion to the north, the Rhinogydd range to the west, Cadair Idris to the south, and the Aran and Arenig mountains to the east.
Return the same way you came down. Once back on the main circular path, keep left and follow it downhill through more vegetation, before passing through a final gate. From here the trail leads under the trees onto a farm track, and within minutes you’ll be back at the car park.
