S3 Beddgelert – Dinorwig

Journey Overview

Provided by Gwynedd Council in association with Transport for Wales.

The S3 from Beddgelert to Dinorwig takes customers on an awe-inspiring journey through the stunning Welsh countryside. The route passes through a variety of charming villages and towns, each offering their own unique views and scenery.

As the bus leaves Beddgelert, customers are immediately surrounded by the Beddgelert Forest and the beauty of Snowdonia National Park. The route winds through the village of Rhyd-Ddu, where passengers can catch a glimpse of the historic Rhyd-Ddu Path, one of the many trails that lead to the summit of Snowdon.

As the bus continues on to Waunfawr, customers are treated firstly to views of the stunning Llyn Cwellyn lake, then lush green hills and fields that surround the village. The S3 then passes through Caeathro, where customers can catch a glimpse of the impressive Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the bus enters the town of Caernarfon, customers are greeted by the sight of the castle’s imposing walls and towers. The town itself is resplendent in character and history, with charming cobbled streets and traditional Welsh architecture.

The bus then passes through the villages of Bethel and Llanrug, which are surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque farmland. As the bus climbs towards Penisa’r Waun,  stunning views of the mountains and valleys below unfold.

The adventure continues towards Dinorwig, customers pass through the village of Clwt-y-bont, which is known for its beautiful riverside walks and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The bus then continues on to Deiniolen, where customers can catch a glimpse of the historic Dinorwig slate quarry, which played an important role in the region’s economy for many years.

The final leg of this epic journey takes customers through the village of Dinorwig, which is nestled in a valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. The village is renowned for its stunning scenery and natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Gateway to S3

By train from London, Midlands, North West, South and Mid-Wales, to Chester, then change to Bangor and then by Arriva 5C bus to Caernarfon to pick the S3 there, either travelling to Beddgelert or Dinorwig to then try the route in entirety.

A Fab Day Out!

Starting in Beddgelert, a picturesque village situated in the heart of Snowdonia, there is much to see and do. The village is named after a legendary dog, Gelert. According to local folklore, Gelert was the faithful hound of Llywelyn the Great, a Welsh prince who lived in the 13th century. One day, when Llywelyn returned from hunting, he found his baby son’s crib overturned and covered in blood. Convinced that Gelert had killed his son, Llywelyn killed the dog in a fit of rage.

However, as he searched further, Llywelyn discovered the unharmed baby under the crib, and beside it, a dead wolf. It became clear to Llywelyn that Gelert had in fact killed the wolf, saving the baby’s life. Full of remorse, Llywelyn buried Gelert with great ceremony and named the village Beddgelert, which means ‘Gelert’s Grave’ in Welsh.

Today, visitors to Beddgelert can visit Gelert’s Grave, a monument to the legendary dog, which stands near the river Glaslyn, just outside the village. The grave is marked by a stone slab with the inscription: “Here lies the faithful hound Gelert, slain by his master’s hand.” The legend of Gelert has been passed down through the generations and has become an important part of Welsh folklore, attracting visitors from all over the world to the charming village of Beddgelert.

Other attractions in Beddgelert include the Sygun Copper Mine, an underground tour of an abandoned copper mine, and the Aberglaslyn Pass, a beautiful scenic route through the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

As the bus travels towards Rhy-Ddu, customers can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Snowdon and the surrounding mountains. Rhy-Ddu is a small village that serves as a starting point for the ascent of Mount Snowdon. From here, visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.

Next, the bus passes through Waunfawr, a small village with a beautiful forest and waterfall. There is also the Snowdonia Riding Stables, where visitors can enjoy horse riding through the beautiful Welsh countryside.

The route continues to Caernarfon, a historic town that is home to the majestic Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also has several other attractions, including the Welsh Highland Railway, the Galeri Caernarfon, and the Segontium Roman Fort.

Further along the route, customers can stop at Bethel, a small village with a beautiful church, the Capel Salem. From here, folk can also take a detour to Llanberis, the starting point for the Llanberis Path to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

At the end of the journey is Deiniolen, a village with a beautiful church, the Capel Celyn, and the beautiful Llyn Padarn lake – a destination fit for such a wondrous journey as the S3!