Turn up from the centre of Llanbedr and follow the signs for Cwm Bychan.  Cwm Bychan is about 7 miles up into the mountains. The road up becomes very narrow and you have to respect other road users  as often it is difficult to pass and therefore a fair amount of reversing may be required.

Cwm Bychan is a naturally formed lake formed by the last glaciers some 1.6 million years ago. This area, the Harlech Dome, as it is known geologically is formed by some of the oldest rocks on earth, approximately 350 million years old.

Cwm Bychan lake holds brown trout and  a fish known locally as "the red bellied char" This fish is related to the trout, but have been isolated in the lakes high in the mountains so long they have lost their desire to migrate.

Cwm Bychan looking toward east

Cwm Bychan Dusk, Wintertime

Roman Steps

The paved path runs from the Car Park (fee payable) at the far end of the lake. It runs from the lakeside up through the Bwlch Tyddiard but its actual origins are obscure. Various theories place the path in the period of the Romans, the Medieval times for the transportation by packhorse and muletrain of wool from the Bala area to the seaport of Pensarn. A third theory places the path as just a path for the convenience of farmsteads in the valley. The path runs through the Rhinog National Nature Reserve, an area of some 400 ha (990 acres) An area difficult for walking with thick heather and rocks.

The Wild Goats of Cwm Bychan

It may be a little surprising to hear of wild goats, but, yes they are here. Goats of course but not really wild goats. In fact they really are called feral goats. - domesticated animals gone wild. they originally arrived in the area as Film Extras but it was easier to let loose rather than take home and sell again. Any how they have survived some 50 years  so cheers - the best of luck to 'em.

The Roman Steps at the Bwlch Tyddiard