Gwaith Powdwr North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve — Attraction in Penrhyndeudraeth

This is a nature reserve built on an old nitro glycerin site. It's a bit of a hidden gem, mainly used by local dog walkers but it is beautiful and often quiet (especially out of season). The walk to the old pendulum is a gentle climb on a tarmac road but there is much more to explore. Do take the time to go to the right of the main pendulum route towards the hide and check out the views over the estuary.

Check out the cooling pond and then go down to the left to see more pools and some old buildings that are now preserved for bats.

There has been a problem with grass fires in the past so please take care if you're visiting in summer.

It might be worth noting that there are no toilet...

I feel this could be a much better walk if it was better maintained

Be aware that this isn't suitable for people with mobility issues and dont wear any nice shoes as there is lots of sheep poo everywhere which is hard to avoid sometimes

I wish they could make more plaques about the various buildings and ruins along the route as it used to be an explosion factory... the biggest in Europe and worked throughout the world wars

You can see some elements of its past like tracks they used to transport

Other than that, the views are amazing

I would recommend you enter through the cookies sign, so you end at the parking by the river as its a step...

While the ascent to the top is quite steep, it only takes 10 minutes to reach the top. Along the way are gorgeous views and plenty of wildlife. In just afew minutes we were lucky enough to observe a small lizard, several newts, a selection of pond life (great diving beetles, water boatman, whirligig beetles), a heron, a buzzard, and several others. The peace and quiet is amazing and has to.be experienced to be believed. All in all, it's well worth stopping for a look if...