Lon Las Ogwen Trail
A scenic off-road trail following an old railway line, perfect for cycling and walking through diverse landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Lon Las Ogwen Trail
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic off-road trail following an old railway line, perfect for cycling and walking through diverse landscapes.
"A fantastic way to enjoy cycling with beautiful rapids, tunnels, and nature."
🎯 Start Point Matters
Choose your direction: downhill from Ogwen (easier, less scenic start) or uphill from Bangor (challenging, epic views).
👟 Gear Up for Terrain
Trail surface varies from tarmac to loose stones. Consider hybrid or gravel bikes for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tregarth Tunnel
Near Tregarth
Cycle through a surprisingly long, lit tunnel, a unique and exciting feature for all ages.
Penrhyn Quarry Views
Around Penrhyn Quarry
Experience dramatic landscapes and historical remnants along the edge of the vast Penrhyn Quarry.
River Ogwen Scenery
Along the Ogwen River
Enjoy picturesque riverside paths, perfect for picnics and spotting wildlife like bats and butterflies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Direction Wisely
Trail Surface Varies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Point Matters
Choose your direction: downhill from Ogwen (easier, less scenic start) or uphill from Bangor (challenging, epic views).
👟 Gear Up for Terrain
Trail surface varies from tarmac to loose stones. Consider hybrid or gravel bikes for comfort.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Follow Sustrans Route 82 for reliable guidance.
🥪 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of beautiful riverside spots for a break. Pack snacks and enjoy the scenery.
Holyhead to Cardiff
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Point Matters
Choose your direction: downhill from Ogwen (easier, less scenic start) or uphill from Bangor (challenging, epic views).
👟 Gear Up for Terrain
Trail surface varies from tarmac to loose stones. Consider hybrid or gravel bikes for comfort.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Follow Sustrans Route 82 for reliable guidance.
🥪 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of beautiful riverside spots for a break. Pack snacks and enjoy the scenery.
🦇 Dusk Wildlife Watch
If you're lucky, you might spot bats at dusk! Keep an eye out for birds and butterflies too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lon Las Ogwen Trail for its scenic beauty, diverse terrain, and family-friendly features like the Tregarth tunnel. It's a well-loved route for cycling and walking, offering a mix of natural landscapes and historical interest. Some find the uphill sections challenging and note the varied trail surfaces, but overall, it's considered a rewarding experience.
"Useful paved off road route between Bangor and Bethesda with turn offs for various places on the way. Purpose built on the old railway line. Some historical and nature information boards. Some mountain views, mostly winding riverbank following the Ogwen. Nice walk for kids- some fun trail paths to explore off the main path and some fun tunnels including one really long one with lights in. Lots of nature - bats at dusk, birds, butterflies, plants. Path slopes gently uphill towards Bethesda."
Bronwen Banner
"Lovely place for a bike ride what definitely do it again but maybe next time ride a bit further"
Damian Knowles
"Got dropped off & cycled this near 11 mile trail (the easy way!) coming down from Llyn Ogwen to Porth Penrhyn near Bangor.
The downside of doing a one way trip this way is you don’t get the front frontal view heading into the Snowdonia mountains. That said, it’s a problem easily solved by stopping & turning around occasionally!
Pretty easy coming down this way, it’s predominantly downhill, you are coming down 1,000 feet over 11 miles, some of it is steeply downhill so you’ll have the brakes covered.
I counted four or five kissing gates which whilst necessary for cattle etc, are annoying from a cyclists perspective. Another thing to look out for are cattle grids, there are a handful of those also.
The trail surface varies. From Llyn Ogwen it is tarmacked public road (albeit narrow if you are unlucky enough to encounter any cars) until just before Penrhyn Quarry. Then it becomes significantly rougher with a loose stone up & down section of trail all around the edge of the quarry until you are out the other side. Then you have a stretch down the B4409 & then on to Llwyn Bleddyn Road to rejoin the Lon Las Ogwen trail as a tarmacked off road trail (except another very short B4409 road stretch of 150 yards or so in Tregarth) all the way to Porth Penrhyn.
Overall, I enjoyed this but it would be a bit of a killer going the other way I guess!"
Toxteth O' Grady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessible from multiple points. A popular starting point for cyclists is Porth Penrhyn near Bangor (LL57 4HN).
Buses run to Bangor and Bethesda, which are good starting points for the trail. From Bangor, you can cycle to Porth Penrhyn to join Route 82.
For an easier ride, cycle from Llyn Ogwen towards Bangor as it's mostly downhill. For a challenging ride with rewarding mountain views, cycle from Bangor towards Llyn Ogwen.
The trail is primarily off-road and designed for cycling and walking. While some sections are near roads like the B4409, driving directly on the trail is not recommended or possible.
Free parking is available at Porth Penrhyn, Bangor (LL57 4HN), a convenient starting point for the trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lon Las Ogwen Trail is a public path and is free to access for walking and cycling.
The trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Tregarth tunnel has lights that operate during specific hours.
There is no entrance fee to use the Lon Las Ogwen Trail. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
While there aren't official guided tours widely advertised, local cycling groups or adventure companies might offer them. It's also easy to explore independently.
The trail is generally open to cyclists and walkers. Be mindful of other users and any temporary closures for maintenance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail surface varies significantly. It includes smooth tarmac sections, but also rougher parts with loose stones, especially around Penrhyn Quarry.
Yes, the trail is great for families. The Tregarth tunnel is a highlight, and there are fun off-path trails to explore. The downhill section from Ogwen is easier for younger riders.
Yes, there is a notable, long, and lit tunnel near Tregarth that is a unique feature of the trail.
You can spot various wildlife, including bats at dusk, birds, butterflies, and diverse plant life along the riverbanks.
A 15.3km (9.5 mile) ride from Porth Penrhyn to Ogwen took 1 hour 24 minutes. The return journey is significantly longer due to the elevation gain.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe along the way, making it convenient for a break during your ride or walk.
Absolutely! There are many scenic spots along the riverbank perfect for a picnic.
Bangor and Bethesda offer various dining options before or after your visit to the trail.
While there's a cafe, it's advisable to carry your own water, especially on longer rides or walks, as facilities can be spaced out.
The cafe typically offers refreshments and snacks suitable for trail users, perfect for a mid-adventure stop.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic Penrhyn Quarry landscapes, the unique Tregarth tunnel, and the serene beauty of the River Ogwen. Don't forget the mountain vistas when cycling towards Ogwen.
It can be challenging while actively cycling, especially on rougher sections. It's best to stop at designated points or scenic spots to take photos safely.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the trail and surrounding mountains.
The Tregarth tunnel, the views over Penrhyn Quarry, and the bridges crossing the River Ogwen are popular photographic subjects.
A versatile camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife if you're keen.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Budget Cyclists
The main costs would be for any refreshments you purchase at the cafe or if you choose to travel to the start/end points by public transport. 🚶♀️ Nature Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Lon Las Ogwen Trail
However, this direction means you miss out on the grand mountain vistas as you approach Snowdonia. For those seeking a challenge and breathtaking scenery, the reverse route from Bangor to Llyn Ogwen is recommended. This involves a significant uphill climb, with over 510m of elevation gain, making it a 'brutal' but rewarding ride.
Be prepared for varied terrain; while parts are smooth tarmac, sections near Penrhyn Quarry can be rough with loose stones. Exploring the Trail on Foot
Key highlights for walkers include the unique Tregarth tunnel, which adds an element of adventure, and the historical context provided by information boards along the way.
Historical Significance and Nature
Nature enthusiasts will find the trail rich with biodiversity. The riverside environment supports a variety of plant life, and it's a known habitat for bats, especially at dusk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit