This breathtaking, family-friendly hike is one of my absolute favourites in Betws-y-Coed. The adventure begins with a charming riverside path leading to the iconic Miner’s Bridge—a highlight for kids, with plenty of opportunities to splash and paddle along the way. Crossing the impressive wooden staircase, known as the Miner’s Bridge, marks the start of your journey into the area’s rich mining heritage. From there, the trail winds upward to Llyn Elsi, offering glimpses of abandoned mine buildings, towering heaps of slate slag, and even a few (now sealed) mine entrances. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and fascinating history that the whole family can enjoy.

👣 Walk info... 👣

LENGTH - 6.5KM
TIME IT TOOK US - 2-3 hours with paddle time and a picnic stop
TOILETS - public toilets in Betws-y-coed, 40p
PARKING - any carpark in Betws-y-coed (walk starts at pont y pair)
FOOD & DRINK: Loads to choose from in Betws-y-coed - Highly recommend the bakery in spar, hangin pizza and the Alpine coffee shop

What we love:
Shallow paddle spots all along the route
Stunning gorge at the bridge
Fun stone paths to walk along
A lot of the walk is in the woodland making it a great sunny or rainy day walk
Ice cream and coffee shops at the start/finish
Boardwalk through the forest to start
Waterfalls with rainbows in them
Stunning Mountain Lake
Lots of mine ruins along the walk to explore

Please note: There are a few routes up to Llyn Elsi - some of which a re very boring and long for kids, so be sure to take the miners bridge route up and Llyn Elsi trail or jubilee trail (more technical but more interesting) down. Route map in the link below.

OS Route Map:

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/22916614/llyn-elsi--via-miners-bridge--jubilee-path?lat=53.086307&lon=-3.806334&zoom=14.9131&style=Standard&type=2d&params=22916614&params=llyn-elsi--via-miners-bridge--jubilee-path