Tal-y-llyn Pass
A487Cross Foxes to Tal-y-llyn · Gwynedd / Eryri (Snowdonia)
Distance5.5mi · 8.9 km
Drive time11 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainLakesValley
Bwlch Llyn Bach pass under Cadair Idris from Cross Foxes to Tal-y-llyn lake.
The A487 climbs Bwlch Llyn Bach, the Tal-y-llyn Pass, to about 285m beneath the cliffs of Cadair Idris, dropping from Cross Foxes near Dolgellau down towards the ribbon lake of Tal-y-llyn at Minffordd. It is a flowing, well-surfaced mountain road with a dramatic backdrop, and the car park at the former Llyn y Tri Greyenyn is a noted spot for watching jets on the Mach Loop. Mind oncoming traffic on the faster bends, stopped cars and pedestrians at the Mach Loop layby, and crosswinds and fast weather changes under Cadair Idris.
Where it runs
Cross FoxesStart · Gwynedd / Eryri (Snowdonia)
Tal-y-llynEnd · Wales
Character
Corners18bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient12%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins0tight bends
Climb245 mtotal ascent
Summit304 mhighest point · 997 ft
SpringSummerAutumn
Elevation
194 m rangeKnow before you go
- Fast oncoming traffic
- Mach Loop parked cars
- Mountain crosswinds
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Tal-y-llyn Pass.
