The Snowdonia Slate Trail is an 83-mile (about 134 km) circular walk through Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales, launched in 2017. Rather than chasing summits, it tells a story: it links the valleys, villages and quarries that once powered the global slate industry, set against Snowdonia’s major mountain ranges. Expect wild moorland, forest tracks, riverside paths and the dramatic grey spoil tips and blue flooded pits of the old quarries.
The trail at a glance
The trail begins at Porth Penrhyn, on the outskirts of Bangor, runs south to Bethesda, and then loops anticlockwise back to Bethesda — hikers describe it as a leaf hanging from a stem. The 13 official sections range from about 4 to 13 miles; most independent walkers finish in 5 to 8 days. Difficulty is graded moderate to demanding, with some strenuous days. Highlights include Penrhyn Quarry, the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, the quarries around Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the UNESCO-recognised slate landscape of northwest Wales.
Section by section
The opening stretch from Porth Penrhyn to Bethesda is a gentle 6.3-mile warm-up into the Ogwen valley. From Bethesda the route crosses open moorland to Llanberis, then continues through Waunfawr to Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu and on to Beddgelert, a much-loved village that makes a natural rest stop. From Beddgelert the trail climbs through the remote Moelwyns past the Rhosydd and Cwmorthin quarries to Llan Ffestiniog. The toughest day follows: Llan Ffestiniog to Penmachno is 13.2 miles with around 880 metres of ascent. The final stages ease through Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig before returning to Bethesda via the Nant Ffrancon valley.
Getting there
Bangor is the natural gateway: it has a main-line railway station and good bus links, and the trailhead at Porth Penrhyn is a short walk away. Local buses serve several sections of the route, so it is practical to walk from a base in Bangor or Caernarfon without completing the full loop. Check timetables in advance, especially on Sundays and bank holidays when rural services are thin. Drivers can use the A5, A470 and A487; note that parking charges apply at some car parks.
Best time to go
Walking holidays on the route typically run from April or May through to October, offering the best balance of daylight and weather. Summer brings long days and lively villages, but also the greatest chance of midges and busy accommodation. May, June and September are often sweet spots: long days, generally drier spells and fewer crowds. Winter walking suits experienced hikers only — short daylight, possible ice and snow, and reduced bus services. Whenever you go, expect rain: Snowdonia is one of the wettest parts of Britain.
Costs and budgeting
Going independent, your main daily costs are accommodation, food and transport. B&B prices vary widely by season and village, and summer is generally the most expensive, so booking ahead typically saves money and guarantees a bed. Camping and hostels keep costs down substantially; pub meals and village cafes are the main food expenses, and it is worth carrying snacks for remote sections with no shops. Guided packages with baggage transfers and pre-booked accommodation exist from several walking-holiday companies, at a premium over an independent trip.
Where to stay
Each official day section ends at a village where B&B or guesthouse accommodation is generally available if booked ahead. Bethesda, Llanberis, Beddgelert, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed have the widest choice. Smaller stops such as Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu, Croesor, Llan Ffestiniog and Penmachno have more limited options, so arrange these early — accommodation is where short notice can genuinely strand you. There are campsites along parts of the route; always check local sensitivities around quarries and farmland.
Navigation, weather and safety
The route carries a dedicated Slate Trail waymark on posts and gates, but experienced sources warn the markers can be unevenly spaced or missing in places, so do not rely on them alone. Carry the official guidebook, download the GPX files, and bring an Ordnance Survey map and compass — some sections are remote and need basic navigation skills. Terrain varies from steep hill tracks and rocky quarry paths to forest trails and country lanes, and can be slippery after rain. Check the mountain weather forecast daily, tell someone your route plan, and treat old quarries with respect: they are industrial ruins and can be dangerous.
Practical tips
Break in your boots before the trip and pack for the wettest day you can imagine, because Snowdonia will probably deliver it. Allow 5 to 8 days, plus a buffer day for weather, and consider an extra day in Llanberis for the National Slate Museum or an ascent of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Because sections 10 and 13 are long, splitting the trail across more days is the most common way walkers report enjoying it more. Start early on the remote Moelwyn and Penmachno legs, carry extra food and water there, and spend time in the villages and at the quarries — that is where the trail’s story lives.
Arjun Mehta is the pen name behind Mountains Bliss — practical mountain-travel guides with routes, costs, seasons and safety notes, researched from real trekker discussions and cross-checked before publishing. No sponsored posts, ever.
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