Dyffryn Maentwrog and Llyn Mair are the destinations for the Meirionnydd Ramblers.

It was 1789 when William Oakley arrived at Plas Tan y Bwlch and the family were owners of this estate until 1961.

The Oakley family made a number of changes to the land, carrying out planting to provide wood for the ship building industry at Porthmadog and also growing conifers for the quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog; building embankments to contain the Afon Dwyryd and in the 1880s creating a 16 acre artificial lake to provide a head of power for William Oakley’s hydro-electric power scheme.

The lake (Llyn Mair) was also used for boating and was said to be 21st birthday present for his daughter Mair (Mary).

The Ffestiniog Railway, which from 1836 carried slates from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, runs through the estate with Plas Halt station originally being a private station serving the Oakley household.

Today the railway is open to all running as a major tourist attraction in the area.

The estate is now in the ownership of a number of private landowners and public bodies whilst the Plas itself and its immediate grounds is owned by Eryri National Park (ENPA). 

A couple of years ago ENPA put the Plas up for sale together with some of the surrounding grounds but following vociferous local opposition to the potential loss of access to this area (including that from Meirionnydd Ramblers) it was taken off the market.

A number of proposals are being considered for its future.

On this walk, which takes place on Tuesday, 29 September, we shall use mainly permissive paths which are available through the goodwill of the landowners.

We shall explore the features mentioned above whilst passing through ancient semi-natural woodland and also seeing some of the ornamental trees that were planted by the Oakley family over the centuries.

The paths vary from woodland paths, which are steep and narrow in places,  to wide open stony tracks. We shall pass by three of the lakes in the grounds which attract many dragonflies.

On a clear day there are some lovely far reaching views across the vale of Maentwrog and the Dwyryd river to be enjoyed.

Towards the end of the walk we shall cross through the Tan y Bwlch Ffestiniog Station with its welcoming cafe.

There will be time to enjoy light refreshments there before finishing the walk. 

This is a Group grade C circular, 6.5 mile National Grade: Moderate walk.

Public toilets are available at the junction of B4410 (road to Rhyd) and A487, by the Oakley Arms pub and at Tan y Bwlch Ffestiniog Station cafe towards the end of the walk.

Start at 10am, Estimated finish time, 3.30pm.

Start at Plas Tan-y-Bwlch is signed off the A487 with a brown direction sign. Shortly after turning up the access road (watch for speed bumps) look for the car park on your right. There is a sign saying that the Plas is closed at this point. If you reach the Plas building, you have gone too far (Grid Ref: SH653404).

The start time is when the walk commences. Please arrive earlier to ensure you are ready for the start

Contact 07787 835490.

For further information or for any changes, contact www.meirionnyddramblers.org.uk