Businesses and key groups were recently given the opportunity to see and experience new circular walks that have been developed off the Coastal Path in Gwynedd.

 The event held at Plas Tan y Bwlch aimed to promote all 18 various circuits developed with the financial support of £280,205 from the Coastal Communities Fund administered by the Big Lottery Fund.

The event was an opportunity for businesses within the tourism sector to network and for Gwynedd Council to share information about the project as well as to walk a part of the path surrounding Plas Tan y Bwlch in Maentwrog.

 Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Cabinet Member for Gwynedd Council who leads on public footpaths said: “It was great to have the opportunity to meet business and to highlight the work that has happened to develop this extraordinary network of circular walks.

“Gwynedd is a very popular destination for outdoor activities, and the network of paths we have across the county is an essential resource – both for local residents who are keen to enjoy our great outdoors as well as the thousands of visitors who come here all year round as tourists. I’m, sure that these circular walks will prove to be an asset as we build on Gwynedd’s great reputation as a quality destination for outdoor activities.”

Substantial upgrading work has taken place over the past months with signs placed to guide walkers along the circuits and this is thanks in part to the assistance of volunteers and landowners. Marketing work has also been carried out with digital resources available to download along with videos and leaflets.

Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economy noted:“Gwynedd is home to some of the world’s best natural resources and our incredible mountains, coasts, lakes and paths mean that we welcome around seven million visitors annually.

“Our aim as a Council by developing this circular walks scheme is to ensure that coastal communities and Gwynedd businesses benefit from the thousands of people who make the most of the county’s coastal paths every year.”

The 18 circuits vary in distance and extend across Gwynedd: Abergwyngregyn, Aber Falls, Bangor, Clynnog / Trefor, Tre Ceiri, Aberdaron, Tudweiliog, Edern, Llanystumdwy, Porthmadog, Llanbedrog, Botwnnog, Nefyn, Rhiw, Llangwnnadl, Barmouth, Maentwrog, Aberdyfi.

Further information on these circular walks and other walking tours can be seen on the Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website www.visitsnowdonia.info  and videos promoting the circular walks can be seen on: www.youtube.com/user/VisitSnowdonia