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Natural Monuments

Gladstone Rock

Natural Monuments

Gladstone Rock

Highlight • Monument

Gladstone Rock

Recommended by 88 hikers out of 90

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Gwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Yr Wyddfa

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Location: Beddgelert, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Gladstone Rock

4.9

(123)

1,364

hikers

1. Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park

13.3km

05:22

980m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Expert

4.9

(106)

1,281

hikers

2. Snowdon via the Watkins path

13.4km

05:17

980m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Expert

4.9

(17)

309

hikers

3. Watkin Pools and Waterfalls – Gladstone Rock loop from Beddgelert

5.53km

01:46

240m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Dominiek Van Dooren

June 12, 2024

The location is striking: a prominent isolated rock in the Cym-Llan next to the Watkin path, surrounded by the ruins of the 19th century slate industry, including buildings and tram lines that provided the inspiration and context for the path to the summit.
The plaque itself is a square marble slab with proportions that make an impression on an already monumental landscape. The text is bilingual, but not completely identical: Welsh above, English below.
(howardwilliamsblog)

Translated by Google •

Hookz Starr

June 15, 2021

The Watkin Path, named after its creator Edward Watkin (a friend of Gladstone’s), was the first designated footpath in Britain. At the time of its construction, there was no path to the actual summit of Snowdon, only a path just over a quarter of the way up to a quarry. Over 2000 people gathered on the side of Snowdon in 1892 to witness Gladstone opening the Watkin Path. From on top of an impressive 12ft boulder, the Prime Minister delivered a speech on Justice for Wales, not to mention sung some ‘Cymric hymns’ himself. A plaque fitted to the front of the boulder commemorates what was sure to have been a memorable occasion, announcing that indeed William Gladstone had stood upon the rock.

Sebastian Kowalke

January 12, 2018

The Watkin Path is named after Sir Edward Watkin. Prime Minister William Gladstone stood on top of this rock to hold a speech in front of more than 2,000 people. Since then this stone is only known as The Gladstone.

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The Watkin Path is named after Sir Edward Watkin. He created this path as the first hiking trail in England in 1892. At the official opening, Prime Minister William Gladstone stood on this rock to give a speech to more than 2,000 people. Since then, this stone is known only under the name Gladstone.

Translated by Google •

Details

Informations

Elevation 330 m

Weather

Today

Monday 27 October

10°C

8°C

70 %

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Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Location: Beddgelert, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Gladstone Rock

1. Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park

2. Snowdon via the Watkins path

3. Watkin Pools and Waterfalls – Gladstone Rock loop from Beddgelert

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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