GARN FOR
Out and back walk with incredible coastal views
Affording amazing views of the Llŷn Peninsula and Anglesey, this comparatively short walk is well worth experiencing. Beginning at the Yr Elfi car park near Llithfaen, it takes you up to Garn For and can be extended by including a diversion across farmland to the dramatic cliffs above Nant Gwrtheyrn. There are plenty of sheep about and so dogs should be kept on leads. The good news is that there are no steep climbs or challenging terrain to tackle and so your pleasant outing will be more of a stroll than a hike.
Yr Elfi is a coastal area with three peaks (Garn For, Garn Ganol and Tre’r Ceiri) which is know as The Rivals in English. There are trails to all three peaks from the parking area and circular routes encompassing all three plus Nant Gwrtheyrn. The walk described here is a good choice if you are looking for a short and relatively easy outing.
Duration: 90 minutes from the car park to the Garn For and back. Longer if you take the diversion.
Terrain: Gravel road (grassy paths on diversion)
Starting Out
The walk begins at the generously sized Yr Elfi car park. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a space here, regardless of when you visit. Cross the road and take the gravel track towards Garn For. The climb is gentle and the after a short distance you can enjoy views across the peninsula to Nefyn and beyond. Eventually, you will also be able to see the Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language Centre beneath you. The centre is built within the structures of the former quarrying village of Porth y Nant. If you would like to visit the language centre and the adjacent beach, you should walk down from the Yr Elfi car park as the limited parking at the centre is reserved for those who are unable to tackle the walk.
Reaching Garn For
After a pleasant stroll up the track, you will reach Garn For where there is a communications mast. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you will benefit from 4G although you will have a mobile signal! Stroll up the short trail to towards the tower and you can enjoy fabulous views over Trefor and Snowdonia. You will see that this peak has been extensively quarried. Granite from Garn For has been used to pave streets of Lancashire’s towns and cities, it has also been used to make Olympic curling stones. Once you have soaked in the view, make your way back down the track towards the car park. On the way down, take the diversion to the cliffs, if you fancy a longer adventure.
To the cliffs
If you wish to take the diversion to the cliffs, descend a few hundred metres from Garn For and pass through the metal gate on your right onto farmland. Follow the grassy trail down until you find yourself on a small plateau above some ruins (see large image above). You can then continue to the peak beyond from where you can admire the grandeur of the steep cliffs. It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the cliffs and a little longer to walk back up to the main track. You may encounter a few boggy areas on the grassy terrain. There could be sheep and goats along the trail. After your trip to the cliffs, return to the main track and walk back to the parking area.
Directions
From The Woollen Mill, drive up our spur of the lane, turn right and then turn left when you reach the road. At the T Junction, turn left toward Pwllheli and continue until you see the right turn for Nefyn. Turn right here and continue on this road until you reach Llithfaen. In the centre of the village, you will see a brown sign for Yr Elfi. Turn right here and follow the road to the carpark which will be on your left. There is no charge for parking. Yr Elfi is 15-20 minutes from The Woollen Mill.
