Moel Eilio walking and hiking route

Start/car parking - Waunfawr School

Waunfawr lies a short distance outside the Snowdonia N.P. boundary, SE of Caernarfon. To locate the village, follow the A487 to Caernarfon, then the A4085.

It’s along, narrow village, with houses sprinkled either side of the main road. The school is almost central. Just off the main road, on the left along the second "major" turn off. Park in the lay-by opposite the school. Beyond the school there’s a well stocked village store. Cold drinks, Sand-wiches etc. The Welsh Highland Railway stops at Waunfawr. Moel Eilio is within the NP, overlooking Llanberis.

Not to be considered in misty conditions

Walk Instructions

Aim towards a white painted cottage, then turn right, along another brief section of road. Where the road bends, pass through a black gate on the left. Continue upwards along an obvious path. Spectacular views begin to evolve, including sight of the objective – Moel Eilio – a symmetrical green dome, away to the right!

Pass through a section of blackthorn bushes, maintaining the upward slog, to reach a gate with red marker post – turn right, towards a cottage (Bryn Tyron). Turn left along the driveway, then right, along the road.

Views at this point include the estuary and Caernarfon Castle.

March along the road, passing between a plantation and the enormous heaps of discarded slate. Where the plantation abruptly ends, and the track splits, take the right fork, towards a ladder stile. Cross the stile, swing right, to commence the climb to the summit of Moel Eilio!

Following an initial steep section, the route levels out, temporarily, with views of Snowdon and the mountain railway clearly visible. Llanberis slate quarries too. The summit stone shelter is accessed via a ladder stile. A good spot for refreshments following the physical exertions! Distance covered? About 4 miles. Mostly uphill!

The descent commences after crossing the other ladder stile at the summit, and continues alongside the fence to the left. Focus on the conifer plantation far below. When approaching the boundary wall at the lower part of the mountain, veer right, (leaving the fence), towards the angle of the plantation.

Cross a broken wall, to walk along uneven terrain, left of the trees. At the distant end of the plantation swing sharp left (waymark), following an obvious, green depression. All around are reminders of redundant mining activities.

The path develops into a pleasant green swathe and briefly runs alongside a wall, before curving right, to pass between the massive spoil tips. At a junction (farmhouse on the left), walk straight ahead, treading the access road to several farms. Retrospective views of Moel Eilio are presented when reaching a caravan park.

The access road eventually leads into a housing estate. Turn right when arriving at the main road, to return to the school.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.