Cwm Glas Crafnant

The National nature Reserve (NNR) of Cwm Glas Crafnant lies at the head of the narrow Afon Crafnant valley, beneath the rocky masses of Crimpiau and Craig Wen.

It is a component of the surrounding Cwm Crafnant Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is adjacent to the Eryri SSSI.

Grid Ref: SH734598 Area: 15.02 hectares

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Visiting

There is open access on the reserve, with the exception of a fenced area which helps prevent grazing by agricultural livestock.

There are no formal public footpaths, and the nearest public right of way is around 400metres from the reserve boundary.

This route links Llyn Crafnant with Capel Curig, and provides a good view of the NNR from the south.

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How to get there

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There is no parking on the reserve; however, the Forestry Commission site at the northern end of the lake has car parking, way marked trails and accessible toilets.

One of the forestry commission trails goes around the lake on a fairly level forest track, returning via a tarmac road. This route passes within 500 metres of the NNR and offers good views of the reserve.

To reach the reserve:

Follow the minor road west and up hill from the village of Trefriw. The lake at Llyn Crafnant is signposted from Trefriw, as a fishing area
After five-and-a-half kilometres on the minor road, you will pass Llyn Crafnant
For the walker who likes a challenge, there is also a steep walk from Trefriw, up a narrow lane, to reach Llyn Crafnant and the reserve.

Public Transport
The village of Trefriw is served by the no. 19 Conwy valley service - for more information on services and times contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 2002233.

Facilities

There is no parking or other facilities on the reserve, however, the Forestry Commission site at the northern end of the lake has car parking, way marked trails and accessible toilets.

In addition, there is a seasonal café and fishing at Cynllwyd, half way along the lake.

Who looks after it?

The reserve is managed by CCW.

You can contact the northern region reserves team via the CCW enquiries help line on 0845 1306229 or by email at enquires@ccw.gov.uk. You can also write to us at the address under ‘Contact the team’.

Wildlife

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A scattering of ash woodland expands over the reserve, with a range of tree species that includes:

Wych elm
Bird cherry
Hazel
Hawthorn

The ground flora includes a wide variety of species, such as the likes of:

Herb bennet
Primrose
Hart’s tongue fern

These grow together with plants that enjoy a rockier habitat such as the uncommon rock stonecrop.

The reserve also has open areas of upland grassland, with plants typical of this habitat such as:

Mountain sorrel
Green spleenwort
Hairy rock cress

The quiet upland reserve is believed to be the home to some threatened species of mammals such as the red squirrel and pine marten. However, neither species has been seen for many years.

Some rare upland moths have been recorded here, and the unusual grass of Parnassus grows on the reserve.