Snowdonia National Park, Wales: Roman Steps

This Iron Age pack trail begins east of the castle town of Harlech and climbs across the crest of the Rhinog Range. The west to east crossing is less than 3 miles one-way, so energetic hikers can lengthen the adventure by diverging southward from the pass at mile 1.3, and summiting dramatic Rhinog Fawr 1.1 miles from the saddle.
Begin from Cwm Bychan, south of Harlech on the west coast. The drive from Pentre Gwynfryn village, up Cwm Bychan to the trailhead is one of the most scenic road stretches in Wales. Cwm Bychan is also the center for a webwork of pastoral hiking trails that wind through abandoned stone farmsteads and across arched stone bridges. End your day at the classic Victoria Inn & Pub in Pentre Gwynfryn.
-Mapped by Steve Howe

Trail Facts

• Distance: 3.6

Waypoints

ROM001

Location: 52.86385, -4.013523

Walk east from signed parking and camping area at farmstead.

ROM002

Location: 52.863681, -4.012295

From the trailhead, hike due south along a well-trod path.

ROM003

Location: 52.855665, -4.007218

At the trail fork, stay left, heading southeast.

ROM004

Location: 52.853976, -4.004702

Pass a stone fence. Ahead, the trail enters a rocky gorge and climbs along ancient flagstones.

ROM005

Location: 52.852121, -4.00001

Roman Steps

ROM006

Location: 52.851153, -3.996588

The trail crests the pass. The Roman Steps pack trail continues straight/east-southeast. Optional: To add mileage, turn left/northeast to summit Rhinog Fawr and visit lake of Llyn Du.

ROM007

Location: 52.850556, -3.992876

Stop and take in the views across the Coed y Brenin Forest.

ROM008

Location: 52.84965, -3.976221

The route ends at a parking turn-out at the edge of Coed y Brenin Forest.