Cambria Sports Culture CIC Cymraeg

All walksConwy Valley and the North Coast

Conwy Valley and the North Coast

Gwrych Castle Grounds

Woodland and terraces around a Victorian fantasy castle on the hillside, being restored after decades of dereliction.

Distance
3.1 mi / 5 km
Time
1 hr 50
Ascent
200 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Shape
Circular

Where it is

The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.

The route

Paths climb through the grounds and woodland to the towers and viewpoints. Steps and steady climbing.

Worth knowing

  • The castle was built from 1812 as a Gothic fantasy and fell derelict for fifty years.
  • Restoration is ongoing and access varies; check before visiting.
  • The gardens and terraces are being uncovered from the woodland.

What you’ll see

The castle towers and terraces, woodland, and the coast below.

Background

Gwrych was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh and later abandoned, becoming one of Britain’s most notable derelict houses before restoration began.