The Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk is genuinely one of the best hikes we have ever done. Every time we visit Wales, we are blown away by the incredible landscapes, dramatic scenery, and endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

This moderately challenging hike offers a unique combination of historic slate quarry ruins, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking views across the Welsh countryside. Along the route, you’ll discover fascinating extras including the Anglesey Barracks, viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape, and the impressive Dolbadarn Castle.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk, including the route, how to get there and park, the difficulty level, and what to expect during the hike.

We also completed several other hikes in Wales which you can view here:

Hidden Gems in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park
Holyhead Mountain Hike
Moel Famau Hike

Getting There & Parking

To start the walk, you’ll want to head to the town of Llanberis, which has several parking options available. We have included a map below showing the closest car park, Padarn Country Park Car Park. However, when we visited, this car park was very busy, so we parked just a few minutes’ walk away at Electric Mountain Car Park.

Parking here costs around £1 per hour, with the price becoming cheaper the longer you stay. We parked for approximately 6 hours, which cost £5. There are plenty of car parks around Llanberis, so you should have no trouble finding a space, even if your first choice is full.

There are also plenty of bus routes to Llanberis from nearby towns and villages. 

Llanberis is a great base for exploring the area, with plenty of guest houses, cafes, and small shops. It’s a good place to stay or simply stock up on any essentials before starting the hike. We actually stayed just outside Llanberis at Brynteg – Holiday Park & Holiday Homes – Park Leisure, which we would highly recommend.

Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk Route & Experience

There are a few different route options, but this Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk worked really well for us, covering around 5 miles in approximately 2.5 hours. We planned the walk so that the hardest climb was completed first, leaving a more gradual and enjoyable descent afterwards. You can use our map to get a good idea of the route and the main points of interest along the way.

We started from the car park and headed towards Padarn Country Park. The first point you want to reach is Llwybr Main on Google Maps, which marks the beginning of the ascent.

The path is fairly obvious and you can continue following it upwards until you reach the Anglesey Barracks. We walked through the Barracks before continuing further uphill to explore the Dinorwic Slate Quarry. Along the way, there are stunning views, including several viewpoints overlooking Padarn and Peris Lakes.

Once you have explored the quarry, there is a very good track that takes you gradually back down towards the main road (A4086). The route is easy to follow, and Ben’s Bunkhouse makes a useful reference point in the distance.

Once you reach the main road, you will follow this alongside Peris Lake until you reach a small track leading towards Dolbadarn Castle. This makes a great final stop, where you can admire the castle, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy the surrounding views. From the castle, there is a small trail that leads back towards the car park. You will then arrive back in Llanberis, where you can relax by the lake and enjoy some well-deserved food and drinks after completing the walk.

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Bonus

If you still have some energy, we really recommend also seeing Ceunant Mawr. The waterfall is located about a 15 minute easy walk from the car park and is a tranquil waterfall to explore. We actually visited first thing in the morning before the Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk to avoid the crowds.

Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk Difficulty

Difficulty is always subjective, as everyone’s fitness levels and hiking experience are different. That said, we would describe the Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk as a moderate hike. There is a steeper section of ascent near the beginning, followed by a more gradual descent towards the end of the route.

The slate terrain can be uneven and rocky in places, so good footwear is recommended and care should be taken. The walk is approximately 5.5 miles long, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take a breather, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

When we visited, the route was not particularly busy, although we did pass a few small groups along the way.

If you are reasonably active and comfortable walking a few miles with some elevation, you should find this hike manageable. The incredible views, historic quarry landscape, and unique scenery make it well worth the effort!

Final Thoughts & Tips

We highly recommend the Dinorwic Quarry Circular Walk, and it’s definitely one we’d happily do again. It offers just the right level of challenge, with incredible views, fascinating industrial history, and plenty to explore along the way.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear suitable walking shoes, and pack layers, as the weather in Snowdonia can change quickly. Even on sunny days, a waterproof jacket is always worth having. Take your time, enjoy the views, and don’t forget your camera as there are countless photo opportunities throughout the route.

We hope this guide has been helpful and that you have an amazing time exploring Dinorwic Quarry!