Snowdonia Slate Trail: 83-Mile Hike Through Welsh Quarry Heritage and Stunning Scenery

The new Llwybr Llechi Eryri (Snowdonia Slate Trail) is an 83-mile loop through Eryri National Park, starting in Bangor and ending in Bethesda. It links abandoned slate quarries with some of the UK's finest riverside and mountain walks. A writer describes a highlight near Y Fron: a lake-filled crater with water 'the colour of an old bruise', surrounded by slate fences like gravestones. The trail celebrates the legacy of Welsh slate industry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while offering hikers dramatic landscapes and industrial archaeology. It's a fresh way to explore Snowdonia beyond the usual peaks, appealing to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With growing interest in heritage tourism, this trail could boost local economies and preserve important stories.