Nant Ffrancon Pass - Ice Age to Cycle Path

The Nant Ffrancon Pass in the Ogwen Valley is one of the most interesting places in Snowdonia.  A classic U-shaped valley shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age. The Ogwen Falls cascade, under the tiny packhorse bridge which can be seen under the A5 road. The River then flows under the ancient clapper bridge and snakes its way down to the lagoon at Ogwen Bank, to Bethesda and eventually to the sea at Port Penrhyn, Bangor.

Much nearer in time, Telford's historic London to Holyhead coach road runs the length of the valley. At Ty'n y Maes Farm extra Andalusian horses would have been hitched onto the coach ready for the steady pull up to Lake Ogwen at 1000ft.

For a wonderful view of the 'nant', the Blaen y Nant website gives a virtual tour of the upper reaches of the valley.

Leisure is now a major part of the valley's activities and 'the old road' which is almost parallel to the A5 across the valley bed is a joy to walk, fish and observe bird and wildlife.  This quiet byway is accessed by the lane which passes Ogwen Cottage Outdoor Centre and Idwal Youth Hostel at Lake Ogwen or at the opposite end where it meets the A5 Ty'n y Maes. Tthe Lon Las Cycle Track branches off and continues down towards Bethesda.