Pick up an information leaflet with map of the walks network. Climb through the woods and up the slope for some truly spectacular views.
Directions: OS Reference SH591482
The National Trust are expecting this area to become very popular in the next few years, following a cash injection and a new development plan which will see study centres for school children and new, reclaimed paths for walkers and visitors.
The area is undergoing a massive amount of reclamation work as giant rhododendrons are cleared from the grounds. As Twm explains in this programme, the plant is a huge threat to the national park as it is a fast growing and aggressive creature which destroys other vegetation and poisons the ground.
Regeneration
As the rhododendrons are being cleared, workers have discovered hidden man-made waterfalls on the old estate and old paths and are now restoring gardens long since lost to the undergrowth.
Their efforts will allow walkers to take in some fantastic sights and visit some extraordinary places. Derek's walk took him past the site of ancient battles, old celtic forts, a former place of human sacrifice, before ending up near a lake with a dreadful secret - it once held a monster who would emerge from its dark waters to ravage the countryside and feast on the local maidens!
There was no sign of the beast when Derek got there and his main memory of the walk was the tremendous downpour that dogged our intrepid weatherman's footsteps for the length of this, his third walk in the national park. You'd have thought he'd have known better!
Wildlife
Look out for the wild goats which range the area. Walls and fences are no hindrance to these agile jumpers. The bucks have massive curved horns, but are quite harmless. The goats were once reared for their meat, milk and hair - the goat hair being used for making wigs in the 18th century.
Judges' wigs are still made of goat hair today - that's why a judge is sometimes referred to as an old goat.
When sheep numbers were dramatically increased about 200 years ago people tried to get rid of the goats - but they couldn't catch them all.
The present goats are descended from the original stock and have been living wild since that time. They tend not to be popular amongst the residents of Beddgelert since they raid gardens and can be a nuisance when the village is competing in the 'Wales in Bloom' competition!
Visit the National Trust Craflwyn website for more walks and maps.
(This walk was also done as part of the Radio Wales Weatherman Walking series 1 in 2002)
