Cwm Prysor Viaduct in Gwynedd
The viaduct spans 450ft of the valley and once carried the Blaenau Ffestiniog-Bala Railway. It is 120ft high and has nine beautifully curved arches.
Considering its domineering statue and the dramatic walk across the valley below this 'path in the sky' is surprisingly little known. Cwm Prysor Viaduct sits in Eryri National Park but away from the usual hotspots.
Services started up in 1882 but the final freight train crossed the viaduct in January 1961. This came after falling passenger numbers and the final nail in the coffin was the decision to flood the Afon Tryweryn valley to create Llyn Celyn. A decision was made not to re-route the line and instead spend money on the A4212.
The track was lifted later that decade. The viaduct has been partially reclaimed by nature with a green path across the top.
Despite its significant size it has remained something of a "hidden gem" situated in a sparsely populated part of Eryri between Trawsfynydd and Bala. Social media may change that although the often boggy landscape should ensure it is never overrun.
As long as people don't leave any mess behind, we all have the right and freedom to explore new and wonderful places." This was backed by a local resident who complained of bags of dog muck and rude people but one respondent said "you can't gatekeep walks". Unlike the very accessible Hafren the nature of the landscape should ensure it does not attract the hordes seen in those woods despite the social media attention.
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