Near Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NG
Craflwyn and Beddgelert
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.3
Wildland
1–2 hours for the Dinas Emrys trail
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.3A wooded mountain landscape where a waterfall path leads towards the rocky summit of Dinas Emrys, with views over Nant Gwynant and a hilltop story of sleeping dragons.
Craflwyn combines oak woodland, waterfalls and a demanding uphill approach with the open mountain scenery of Nant Gwynant. Its dragon-themed trail makes the landscape unusually tangible: look for the carved bench, Merlin’s pool and the remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts on Dinas Emrys.
Atmospheric · Wild · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapNear Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NG
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The experience
Start at Craflwyn car park and follow the National Trust trail through oak woodland, past the dragon bench and Merlin’s pool, then climb the rocky path towards Dinas Emrys for views over Nant Gwynant. The ascent is steep and uneven in places; choose a shorter, level walk at Beddgelert if that terrain is unsuitable.
Things to do
Find the dragon bench
Follow the woodland trail to the dragon-sculpted bench and pause among the oak trees.
Stop beside Merlin’s pool
Continue along the trail to the waterfall and take a moment beside the flowing water. The name is a trail feature, not evidence of a historical Merlin connection.
Climb towards Dinas Emrys
Follow the uphill woodland and rocky path towards the hilltop, where the National Trust describes remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts.
The full 3.52 km trail takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Walk the Craflwyn and Llyn Dinas circular
An AllTrails route description outlines a 6.9-mile loop with woodland, streams, lake shore, mountain views and a section of the Watkin Path. Check the route map and conditions before relying on it.
3–3.5 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow time for a short out-and-back; check the current trail map and conditions before setting out.
Quick Escape: Woodland, waterfall and dragon bench
- 01
Start from Craflwyn National Trust car park.
- 02
Follow the signed woodland path to the dragon-sculpted bench.
- 03
Continue towards the small waterfall and Merlin’s pool, then return the same way if you do not want the steep climb.
Half day · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes for the 3.52 km National Trust trail; allow extra time for breaks.
Make a Half Day of It: Climb Dinas Emrys
- 01
Begin at Craflwyn car park and follow the National Trust trail through oak woodland.
- 02
Pause at the dragon bench and waterfall before taking the uphill path.
- 03
Climb the rocky section towards Dinas Emrys and look out over Llyn Dinas and Nant Gwynant.
- 04
Return to Craflwyn; check the terrain and weather before committing to the ascent.
Full Wildland day · 3–3.5 hours for the 6.9-mile circular route described; allow additional time for stops and check route conditions.
A Wider Eryri Day: Craflwyn and Llyn Dinas
- 01
Start at Craflwyn National Trust car park.
- 02
Follow the described circular route over the hills and along Llyn Dinas, taking in woodland, streams and mountain views.
- 03
Use the route description to identify the Watkin Path section, the southern shore of Llyn Dinas and the return towards Craflwyn.
- 04
Take care on rough and steep sections, road crossings and in wet conditions; use a current route map.
Verified history
The National Trust identifies the remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts on Dinas Emrys, associating them with the ancient princes of Gwynedd. Its trail information also introduces the princes of Gwynedd as a medieval dynasty whose history shaped Wales. The supplied sources do not establish further dates or identify the surviving structures more precisely.
Folklore & legend
Local legend associates Dinas Emrys with Merlin and a sleeping dragon; the National Trust describes a tale of two dragons, one red and one white. These are legends rather than verified accounts of events at the site.
Hidden details
The dragon bench in the oak wood — A dragon is sculpted into a bench along the Dinas Emrys trail. It is an easy-to-miss pause on the way towards the waterfall and ascent.
Tower remains above the valley — At the summit, look for the remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts described by the National Trust.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for the mountain and valley views; check the forecast and trail conditions before walking.
The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal peak. Conditions on the steep, rocky and uneven paths are more important than a particular month.
The National Trust warns that the upper trail is rocky and that paths can be uneven; its wider access information notes steep terrain. Take care when wet and check current local conditions.
The route
- stiles
- Stiles on the trail
- surface
- Uneven woodland and mountain paths; muddy in places, with a steep rocky section near the top
- distance
- 3.52 km / 2.2 miles
- duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- waymarking
- Follow the National Trust trail information and current on-site waymarkers
- route shape
- Out and back, according to the National Trust trail information
- start point
- Craflwyn National Trust car park, grid reference SH600489
- parking start
- Craflwyn National Trust car park; check current charges and payment arrangements
- shorter alternative
- Walk a short section through the woodland to the dragon bench or waterfall and return the same way; check the route and conditions locally. Beddgelert also has a 2 km accessible level walk, but it is a separate walk.
- Oak woodland
- Dragon-sculpted bench
- Waterfall known on the trail as Merlin’s pool
- Views towards Llyn Dinas and Nant Gwynant
- Square tower remains and defensive ramparts on Dinas Emrys
Worth pairing with
Beddgelert village
About one mile from Craflwyn, Beddgelert has pubs, restaurants and shops listed by the National Trust, making it a practical stop before or after a walk.
Llyn Dinas
A lake and landscape highlight on the described Craflwyn and Llyn Dinas circular route. The supplied route listing gives a 6.9-mile loop and estimated time of 3–3.5 hours.
What to look for
Look for the dragon-sculpted bench in the oak woodland, the waterfall known on the trail as Merlin’s pool, the views towards Llyn Dinas and Nant Gwynant, and the square tower remains and defensive ramparts at Dinas Emrys. The dragon and Merlin associations are legend, not verified history.
The story
Folklore & legend, Archaeology
Best time to go
Check conditions before setting out; woodland and mountain paths can be muddy, and the rocky upper section needs care when wet.
Choose a clear, settled day for the views from Dinas Emrys. Take particular care on the rocky upper section when wet.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the Dinas Emrys trail; allow longer for other routes
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust describes the countryside as open from dawn to dusk. The Craflwyn car park is open all day; non-members should check current parking charges and payment arrangements before travelling. Paths include steep, uneven and rocky sections.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park at Craflwyn. Non-members may need to pay; check current arrangements and payment options before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets at Craflwyn car park.
Food & drink
The National Trust lists pubs, restaurants and shops in Beddgelert, approximately one mile from Craflwyn.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads. Livestock is present on walking routes.
Accessibility
The Dinas Emrys trail has uneven surfaces, steps and stiles, with a steep, rocky section near the top. A separate 2 km accessible level walk is available at Beddgelert; check the National Trust access guidance for details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Stream, Lake, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Craflwyn and Beddgelert
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
