WALKS FROM THE DOOR
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While our regional guides of Snowdonia and North Wales provide suggestions for walks in the area, this page offers information about the walks that can be taken right from the front door of Capel Soar. There are numerous walks from the doorstep of the chapel including the New Precipice Walk, Cwm Mynach and Coed Garth Gell Reserve. We have also placed some leaflets and information on these walks in the Capel Soar visitor book and in the dining room.
New Precipice Walk
The New Precipice Walk offers stunning views down the Mawddach estuary as far as Barmouth Bridge and across to Dolgellau, the Aran mountain and Cadair Idris. There are two main options for reaching the New Precipice Walk. The first option is to walk up to the dedicated small car park near the start of the walk and continue the walk from there. The second option is to drive up the road a short distance to reach the car park and begin the walk there instead.
Cwm Mynach (Woodland Trust)
Cwm Mynach has a fascinating history. In 1198, a group of Cistercian monks founded Cymer Abbey. Cwm Mynach lay within the abbey’s estate and the monks made use of its natural resources. Cattle were brought to the wood for shelter and the Order turned to the trees to fuel their fires. They cared for the land, grazing sheep on the slopes of the hills, and breeding horses for the 12th-century Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great). The valley was a refuge during the Second World War for two teachers from war-torn Liverpool who settled here to renovate an old farm house and try to make a living from the land. They left an account of their experiences in the book Four Fields, Five Gates. Here, you can see that the walk begins near the chapel.​​
Coed Garth Gell Reserve
Coed Garth Gell is a nature reserve situated in the Mawddach Valley, renowned for its ancient oak trees and rich diversity of mosses, liverworts and lichens. This reserve holds international significance due to the rare species that thrive in the woodland and heathland habitats. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pied flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers and lesser horseshoe bats, making it a truly wonderful place to explore. The scenic paths for visitors wind through the stunning oak forest with a lively river flowing in the valley below. As you walk through the reserve's nature trail, you'll follow the path of a former track used for gold mining. Remnants of the mining industry, such as buildings and other structures, are still visible throughout the reserve. From the top of the reserve, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the Mawddach Valley and Cadair Idris. The nature trail is challenging in certain areas, with steep terrain, so it's crucial to wear durable footwear.
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You can also walk to The George III in Penmaenpool. This walk lasts approximately about 25 minutes and takes you over the toll bridge. The George III is also on the Mawddach trail path if you'd like to extend your walk.
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