2 Your path is along the east (near) bank of this islet-dotted lake, with a majestic backcloth of Wales' highest mountains to take the eye beyond the conifers of Gwydyr Forest. Turn left from the Memorial along a gravelled path that soon runs close to the water (right). Keep straight on as a forest road sweeps in from your left, and ahead again as a wide path forks left. Leaving behind the lake, the roadway bends right, left then right. As it bends sharp left again take the narrower gravelled path off to the right, a
short, steep climb beneath moss-covered oaks leading to a level path through an
area of felled trees. At the far end pass through the upright stone barrier and continue along the forest road, a superb view across the lake soon revealed to your right.

3 Ignore the stone-guarded path off to your right and also the forestry road soon afterwards past the culvert. Keep ahead at the next junction below a rocky cliff and then at the next junction bear left up the well-used roadway to reach the edge of the forest. Keep right, and then swing left roughly beneath the line of power lines (but not along the farm road), this wide road soon sweeping downhill to the right. Pass by a track to the right, remaining with the roadway as it rises, bending round to the left (a fine view across the Llugwy Valley opening out) to fall to a junction just beyond a wooden barrier and waymark pole.

4 Up to the left here is the abandoned mining hamlet of Rhiwddolion. The way back to Betws-y-Coed, however, is sharp right and through the two solid wooden gates, gaining a
rough track between stone walls. This is the route of one of the Romans' principal roads in North Wales, Sarn Helen. It is very uneven underfoot, and acts as a streambed in wetter periods. Perseverance will bring you to cross-tracks below an isolated cottage. Go straight across, the path descending through oakwoods to and across a footbridge. Trace
the track beyond over a stile and through a gate to emerge beside the main A5 road near
cottages.
5 Cross straight over and take the signed path, descend the steps and then climb the renowned Miners (foot) Bridge over the seething waters of the Afon Llugwy. At the top of the bridge turn immediately right, the narrow path passing above fenced old workings
before braiding into a swathe through the riverside woods. Simply follow the river downstream, the well-waymarked path returning you to a car park at Pont y Pair
bridge. Cross this and turn left to return to the main car park at the railway station.