In a nutshell. Wool and water, all wrapped up in a wonderful Conwy Valley location.
Visitors driving along the A470 down the Conwy Valley from Llandudno to Betws-y-Coed often overlook Trefriw. Big mistake. It’s located on the other side of the river on the B5106, a route that’s quieter – and even more scenic – than the main road. And as a bonus, you get to visit Trefriw.
Discovered by the Romans (they couldn’t get enough of its mineral-rich waters), this former spa village was popular with Victorian visitors who hopped on a steamboat from Conwy to ‘take the waters’.
Water is a running theme at Trefriw (please forgive the pun). The rushing River Crafnant, tumbling down from mountain lakes, provides the power to run the machines at Trefriw Woollen Mills, which have been producing traditional Welsh bedspreads and tweeds for well over 150 years.
The water comes from the twin lakes of Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd, undiscovered gems hidden high in the Gwydyr Forest. As an antidote to rugged, rocky Snowdonia, Trefriw offers the option of gentler cycling and walking terrain (follow some of the Trefriw Trails) – not forgetting excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing at the scenic Crafnant Fishery.
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