Cwm Pennant , Snowdonia

Cwm Pennant has often been called "The most beautiful Valley in Wales". (Cwm means valley in Welsh) It is a narrow valley bordered on three sides by the mountains of the Nantlle Ridge, Y Garn, Mynydd Tal Y Mignedd, Moel Lefn and is situated south west of the main Snowdon range of mountains.

The valley was home to slate workings in the late 19th century employing up to 200 workers. The slate was quarried, brought to be dressed and then shipped off in trams down the valley to its destination.

There are clear footpaths for walkers leading up to the old slate workings, part of which take you along the old tramway. If you take a longer path it leads you over the mountain and more slate workings down into the Beddgelert forest.

The valley is mainly used for farming nowadays with farming stock indiginous to the area - Welsh Black cattle and Welsh Mountain, Welsh Mule and Lleyn sheep.

The river Dwyfor is sourced in the valley and flows down to Criccieth on the coast.

Welsh poppies grow wild here and there is a magnificent abundance of bluebells adorning the valley sides in the spring, giving breathtaking views and a wonderful aroma.

Well worth a visit, especially in late spring.

Cwm Pennant , Snowdonia Images

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