The Snowdonia Slate Trail | Discovering The Hidden Side Of Snowdonia

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Let's build a community and show support moving into the New Year. What advice would you share with someone new to hiking and backpacking? Comment below 😊

[@soniadavies35]

Most important - make sure your boots fit properly and that, however long or short the hike, you have the stuff you need to treat hot spots before they become blisters. Never 'break in' your new boots on the first hike. Wear layers that can be removed or re-added as the temperature fluctuates with elevation, wind or activity. For a first hike I'd suggest a circular route, not more than you know you can comfortably walk, and reasonably close to home so that you can fully test your gear but, if you suffer a catastrophic gear failure, you have a short hike back to the car or people can easily come to your aid. Lastly, it's OK to not love every second - some hikes are hard work, but getting to your goal will make it all worthwhile! 😀 I have asthma so the Ranger path up Yr Wyddfa took me twice as long as most people but now all I remember is the breathtaking beauty, the cameraderie and encouragement of strangers I met on the route, and the joy of achieving a dream 😀

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

If you don't "succeed" first time. Learn from it, adjust your plan and try again. My first WHW attempt I decided on the 2nd night to go home the next morning. I learned a lot, realised I needed to hike my own hike, wear clothes that I felt comfortable in, it isn't cheating to hire a backpacking carry service. Face the fears and the what if's and just get out and do it.

[@robertphillips93]

@@AbbieBarnesWILD If you love nature and want to find refuge there, you will want to see beforehand that we are all parts of that greatness. When I'm blind to this the connection is gone and I'm simply swept away. So I study nature and myself -- not only on a hike but whenever possible, to see what's what. And it's no accident that when I have in this way put my life into my love, I find honest friends and help -- it's only natural!

[@AdventuresWithRalf]

Make sure you carry a first aid kit and have at least a basic under of first aid. you never know if you or anyone else you might meet on the trail might need it!

[@Karen-dq8nw]

One foot in front of the other, that's all it really is. Just start wherever you are and discover what is in your own backyard!

[@dwylaw]

Saving this for tonight: much better than netflix :D

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Wooho!

[@atay999]

Abby this was amazing!! Beautiful cinematography and narration! Thank you for sharing your connection with the wild! This blesses so many! Thank you!! ❤

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

I fully agree with your comments about access to "private" land.

[@CHERYLEVANS-x8d]

Love all your journeys Abbie! The highlight of this video was your unbridled joy of seeing the mouse❤! Stay wild and thank you for sharing and inspiring me to con my own adventures!😊❤️

[@markmurphy7356]

Abbie, I was the person who spoke to you from my car in Betws y coed on your final morning. I've walked the SST myself and I think your film is a great depiction of the trail. Atb Mark.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Haha was great to meet you!! Thanks for being here!

[@etheleh5115]

Yesterday a friend told me about your videos. So much better than Netflix. I've been a hiker for years and always wanted to solo hike but didn't have the knees to carry the heavy pack. In my day, the equipment was very heavy including the pack itself. I've really enjoyed my first view or your treks and will definitely be checking out others. I like that you wear hiking boots, not plastic runners which don't provide support, don't hold up to the harshness of the trail and then after a short lifespan add to the plastic garbage. Your JOY is infectious. I like your natural style and enthusiasm even when the going gets tough. Your video production is very high class. AND also enjoyed your rant re private ownership of wild spaces and rivers. Keep talking that up and bring it to the public's attention.

[@AlfredKooijman-t1z]

Really enyoing your hiking video's Abbie! Beautiful footage. Thank you so much.

[@karenmiller3300]

What a fab way to spend NY evening! Thanks Abbie I loved this. Stunning landscape and the history of those mining communities was inspiring 😊

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janluxenberg7811]

What a beautiful documentary, on so many levels. The history you shared was eye-opening, the majestic scenery beyond stunning, the human kindness of others who helped you and were friendly and welcoming along the way, the eloquence with which you described things, and best of all how your HAPPINESS shone through (even in the tough parts which imo you handled with grace, humor, and patience). A film worth watching again (just like all your other productions!) watching this left me with a sense of fulfillment and happiness- and I wasn’t even hiking it myself! Beautiful. Thank you!

[@Jendarhan64]

I had no idea about the slate mines in Wales. I also had no idea that Great Britain has such a low percentage of public land! I live in Oregon and of course I had to look up the percentage of public land in my state, which is 60 %. Oregon is the most beautiful place to live and I feel lucky to live here, but I love seeing the places that you have shown in your part of the world! The mouse was very adorable and I get the same cuteness overload feeling from seeing the little wild creatures in their natural habitat! It never gets old. I could totally see the squirrel, hedgehog, and mouse as your hiking buddies. That would make a cute children's story, you should do it! I think the best advice for someone new to hiking is just to start out with small journeys and work your way up. Like, if you've never hiked before you would not want to hike the whole pacific rim trail but you may want to try a smaller hike close to your home town first. And, of course - they should all watch your videos first!!!!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks so much for being here and watching!

[@maritjulien7126]

I enjoyed this video a lot - the scenery, the history, and the quaint villages! But it is sad what you say about public access to nature becoming more restricted in England and Wales.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Bethgellert, stayed there! Even took the train from Snowdon back to Bethgellert. Happy memories.

[@AScottishOdyssey]

I'm glad that someone was able to help you with your camera. Small acts of kindness can change the world.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

100%

[@AScottishOdyssey]

@@AbbieBarnesWILD That is going to be my New Years resolution. Random acts of kindness, as often as I possibly can.

[@richardhughes3026]

Sending love ❤

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

Great film Abbie. I'm glad you got the camera sorted and completely agree about kindness on the trail when in need and how much this can mean. East highland way In late April the temps ended up a lot lower than I expected and woke to my tent frozen, could not face another night of low temps so phoned the people at teh Laggan Hotel and was initially told they had nothing due to a conference they had on. When I asked I asked if they could recommend anywhere and explained my situation they booked me into a room and I got dinner!!! I sat crying next to Loch Laggan for a good solid few minutes. They ended up being the kindest and nicest human beings ever and were so welcoming to me. I was even offered a lift to Newtonmore the following day if I wanted it!! It broke me in a good way. People are the best if like you say, you open yourself up to it.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

What a story! We all need reminding of the goodness in the world sometimes ❤

[@watchingmywasteline]

Great video Abbie. I agree with you on the access to nature. I found the Right to Roam campaign very informative on the subject :)

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FlatlandMountaineer-1]

Thank you Abbie for sharing your thoughts and trail views with us. Stay Wild!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

My pleasure!!

[@karenhatton6002]

I love this trail. I will be doing as a series of day walks. Blessed to call North Wales home x

[@malls886]

Good to see this Abbie, the ST is one of my planned hikes for 2025. 😊

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Enjoy!!

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

First time on your channel. Greetings from Seattle, WA. Such an incredible video, wow! I loved this video and all the places you shared. Breathtaking. Thank you

[@jacksonlone1]

Enjoyed tagging along with you on this journey. I've been following your channel for a while now, looking forward to what trails you hike in 2025. Hopefully you get around to hiking the Pennine Way. It'll be a massively immersive film. Keep up the great work. Love from Australia ❤

[@tracklamp]

I can't believe you had five consecutive days of sunshine in North Wales, how lucky was that😎 Great hike great video.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

I know!!😂😂

[@CherylOrmshaw]

What a fabulous video Abbie. Thank you xx

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

You are so welcome!

[@wiedzmataprawdziwa]

Thanks for this lovely film, very appreciate your effort. Im not sure if that is right or not that so many land is private but what ive notice people unfortunately do not really respect that free leftover land we can enjoy.

[@dreadpoetssociety]

Congratulations on another stunning documentary film Abbie, your recent last 3 have all been amazing but I particularly enjoyed this one as I love Snowdonia and try to get there as often as possible. You were so so lucky with the weather of course, I think regular visitors will all recall those days of relentless downpours and I wouldn't fancy been on the Slate Trail during one of them. Great to hear your now famous inspiring 'final speech' at the end, just what we need to hear in these colder winter months with the so short days... By the way, I know 'limited edition' generally means.....well, 'limited edition' but any chance of more of those super colourful Stay Wild beanies as I missed out and they do look great... Keep up the amazing work as ever....👍

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks so much for watching ! The beanies are currently available for folks who have 5 tshirt colours, but will be on sale later this winter :)

[@dreadpoetssociety]

Thanks, will keep a look out for them, the colour combos look better than any Rab or Montane are doing right now!

[@Gez-C]

Incredible video of your walk, thank you for taking us along on your journey! It looks such a beautiful walk and the views look incredible!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@between2pines]

Another inspiring video! Thank you!! My bucket list keeps getting longer 😅

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Haha, sorry not sorry!!

[@shockerinca]

Your video was inspiring, educational, poignant, fun, and so very human. Thank you for putting this together. The world needs more people like you!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Wow, thank you!

[@keypenhikeralan4233]

Thank you Abbie once again for a wonderful video .

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks so much!!

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Thankyou for sharing your wondering trail life .I watch as i sit watching snow poor down with a quitetness . Nice seeing field with 💚 🍏 green and 🟡 💛 yellow flowers 🌺🌹 🌼🌱. Never heard of this the history would be very interesting. Thankyou again .

[@PMcG-q5j]

Congratulations on this video. Very enjoyable!!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tjminstrel]

Great video - very inspiring. : ) I might take my daughters there at Easter. I've never explored Snowdonia apart from the main routes up Snowdon.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Have fun!

[@Daytona2]

😮♥ Wales at it's best! What a wonderful walk - lush valleys, lit with spring sunshine, with just a little bit of the bleak uplands for context. My kind of walk. I love history and particular industrial history and I'm completely with you on not idealising the past. I feel sorrow for the poor souls who lived nasty, brutish & short lives. I had no idea that slate colours were so varied - what a superb installation. ♥ steam trains too, particular built for purpose industrial lines like those. Love the sharp corners from the irregular stone of the slate buildings How magical is your meal memory 😊 Love the mackerel? sky at Betws-y-Coed The mouse was special - encounters like that are special for me too. I remember observing a Shrew in early Spring, outside it's hole repeatedly jumping up to try to catch small hovering flies. Great cinematography, in so many ways, Abbie, thank you 🙏

[@Daytona2]

btw I guess you already have it, but if not, the Hiiker Pro+ lifetime offer for £159 is running again.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Haha seems you enjoyed a lot of elements of this film; thanks so much!!

[@janparry6344]

Great vlog Abbie. My daughter's and I are planning to start this trail in March . What time of year did you do it please? Xx

[@squarepegfb]

We’re being spoilt with 2 feature length films over the festive period. Thank you Abbie and happy new year 🎉

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Happy new year!

[@trecruel3516]

Absolutely loved this! I grew up in that area and I've walked a lot of the sections of the slate trail over a few years. This has really inspired me to complete it in one hit 🎉

[@hikingismytherapy]

Just what I need to keep me going to midnight! I know this has nothing to do with this film, but I just totalled my steps for the year and I beat my last year total by 860,000 steps. Thank you for inspiring my new life!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Incredible!! Well done! Happy new year!

[@celesteindge]

Watched this video last night. Another wonderful honest adventure. Thank you. ❤

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dianeiles6348]

❤Thank you so much, Abbie! Another superb video! Stunning scenery and, as always, you're inspirational and wise words! This one is definitely on my list now, thanks to you! X

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

What a lovely video, Abbie! It’s been a real treat touring Wales with you. I’m thrilled that you found someone to help with your camera. Nice lady!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Absolutely!!

[@mojobumbles474]

Great vlog Abbie. One of your best. Glad you are well 👍

[@melyandres_]

Just finished watching… what an amazing trail and film! It warmed my heart to see how kind everyone who helped you out on this trail was. I hope you had an amazing start of the year and I’m looking forward to your next adventures.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

The landscape reminds me of a short holiday in Wales some years ago. Despite constant rain possibly my best holiday! Maybe another way to get over those fences would be to hoist your backpack over them firsr? Then you'd fit through them easier.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Nice idea but of course I tried it. My bag was too heavy for that :)

[@atticuskilby515]

This is a beautiful hike Abbie. Thanks for sharing the journey. People do have wonderful hearts and in general they just want to feel "useful" and to be heard. I travel full time and two things that I have come to appreciate more than ever is the diversity of landscapes in our world and the wonderful people who inhabit them. You won't hear about them on the 6 o'clock news, but stepping out of one's comfort zone and connecting provides some of the greatest gifts of all. Best wishes for a healthy '25, full of amazing adventures.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Couldn't agree more!

[@algae248]

Great video Abbie…I am inspired to go back to Snowdonia and planning a trip soon in the spring ❤ xx

[@charlottehodgson5093]

Abbie, just loved watching you on this journey. Your photography work is stunning. I feel like I am there too. Thank you ❤

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you so much!

[@Scott1967-m8]

One of our favourite parts of the world; watching it right now, thanks, Barnsey...! 🙂👍

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hazetheherd2214]

Start small and build on your experience and your kit 😊

[@baggiethomas]

Lovely video

[@kgsz]

How I love your narration

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Oh thank you!

[@caren9790]

Absolutely spectacular!❤

[@DavidAlexander-h6j]

Did the Slate Trail last year, so this brought back so many memories. Thank you. You kept mentioning the Cambrian way and next year as part of a LEJOG, so back on the part of the Slate Trail next year

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

That's awesome!

[@jacquie313]

I loved this video, thankyou Abbie, you are such an inspiration, when your camera broke you overcome the problem, you thought about it and with the help of a lovely person you overcame it, what a boost that is, I camped in Bethesda many years ago, I love this area, I just love North Wales, Happy New Year+ Happy trails for 2025🏕️ 👍

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you so much!!

[@talltreesnaturereserve]

Another great video, thanks for sharing 👍

[@NatashaKelty-pp6ho]

I’ve been so excited for this video Abby!😊 Best way to ring in 2024 and look forward to adventures in 2025! This route has a special place in my heart for being the trail that I feel I grew up with (and still growing 😆). Truly I could not have asked for a better film to capture the nuances of the Snowdonia Slate Trail - Well done ❤️. P.S I am horrified that you couldn’t sample the ice-cream from Beddgelert, it truly is some of the best 😢, still, a reason to go back at somepoint!😂

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Fingers crossed! Never say never to ice cream 😂

[@DavesWalks]

Inspirational Abby! Love and agree with what your saying at 41:18! Hope you have a wonderful 2025 and I look forward to your next video! 😃😃😃

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Happy new year!!

[@keithsimmons0]

Great video Abbie. I did the trail a few years back so this brought all the memories flooding back. Those gates on the first day and the boggy section are not a fun start on day 1. Its a truly magical route and some of the sights and scale of the surroundings have to be experienced. I was wearing my Stay Wild tee-shirt and bumped into at least 2 other fans of yours on my journey Keep making great films!!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for representing!! Hope you have many great hiking adventures in 2025 :)

[@aldisley6565]

Such a great video, well done, Abbie. I was at Cwmorfin quarry earlier in the year, great to see you walking through it in this amazing video.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you so much!

[@aldisley6565]

@@AbbieBarnesWILD Kepp up the amazing work, Abbie. You were born to do this.

[@deborahharding135]

I so enjoyed watching this on my lazy new year's day. Wales is lush, green, & fabulous in the sun. I so agree with your comments on land ownership/accessability. Most of England is apparently owned by foreigners. 😢 Good luck on your trails this coming year.

[@paulhuggan-cammack2928]

You were very lucky with the weather Abbie. I have walked the trail a number of times, and live just off it. I found your Welsh pronunciation rather amusing. Great film, thank you 👍

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Haha yeah sorry about that, i tried!!

[@herbevans2727]

Thanks Abbie...really enjoyed this one ✌

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KettenmannSB]

Thank you for the inspiration. Have a good start in 2025 and a lot of Adventures. Greetings from German

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you! You too!

[@thegoldenorc]

Thank you Abbie for a fab video. Happy New Year and here's looking forward to more adventures in 2025. I'm trying to pluck the courage up to walk the coast to coast path.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

You can do it!

[@stefans-place]

There are so many beautiful places in the world. And this is one of them. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you for watching!

[@cathgreenwood831]

Thank you Abbie for another brilliant account of your adventures. Who knew there was so much more to Snowdonia than climbing Snowdon and Crib Goch! A beautiful area which you showcased magnificently, thank you.

[@deanmc178]

loved it abbie , from start to finish , last time i was there snowdon peak was in the clouds , so could,nt go up , happy new year ,deano x

[@deanmc178]

You're not going anywhere today,, blowing a gale

[@maryannknox7158]

Thank You Abbie 😊 I am all alone on New Year 🎊 Eve but you have made my evening wonderful watching you hike through Snowdonia was epic and so interesting points on the slate 🩶

[@Marie-rv4wt]

Hey there MAK…greetings from Alaska. I too am by myself…so in a way, all of us by ourselves are together. 😉. Many thanks to Abbie for another great video & source of inspiration. Sending warmth to all.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for watching, happy new year!

[@samoutdoors1]

Thank you for another fantastic video 😊

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ant-66]

What an unexpected treat for New Years Eve, my favourite landscape for hiking and one of the best KZbin presenters. Time to crack open a bottle and dive in. Thanks Abbie and best wishes for 2025.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks so much! Enjoy! Happy New Year!

[@suegillett2173]

Great video as always- looks like a lovely walk. Advice to new hikers would be to join a local walking club or walk with someone experienced until you find your feet, learn to navigate and research every hike before you do it. Remind yourself you can do anything if you put your mind to it..

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Sounds great! Thanks so much for watching and sharing!

[@davidgloster319]

Fantastic trek Abbie i love this part of Wales

[@danidaskam1027]

Terrific video! I need to get myself to Wales.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Go for it!

[@ScottCameron23]

Another incredible video I love watching you explore🔥

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@davidhudson7590]

Lovely journey thank you

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sulray]

Thanks for sharing

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for watching!

[@sulray]

Happy New Year, Abbie Thanks for all your great videos//

[@Poppy-ek4ou]

oh what a lovely way to start the New Year with another one of your lovely videos, Happy New Year.😁

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Happy new year!

[@xix94]

I have camped at that site in Llanberis Fantastic place

[@robertphillips93]

New to your beautiful videos and honest storytelling. Your journey is worth sharing with others and building a fine future for you too. (My problem with filters is a bit different than yours -- they're always affecting the outlook even when I could swear I'm not using any!)

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you so much!

[@Debbie-deb-x]

Bless you sweetheart ❤ happy new year ❤

[@lorijefferson1833]

👋👍🤗❤️ I would say start with doing a small walk first before you try to do the bigger trails longer walks. Happy Ney Year Abbie and to everyone in this community!!🎉💥💙

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

So true!

[@JP-lk2qs]

P.S few years ago I did a short version of it and whilst on it came across a fellow dressed in Stay Wild T shirt.He said how much he enjoyed watching your videos as well.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

That is awesome!

[@maryannknox7158]

Happy New Year Blessings Abbie to you and Your Loved ones 💞

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Happy new year!

[@robwhrk1]

The tower is the vent for the railway tunnel. Also Cei Llechi is the Welsh name for slate fencing that you commented on.

[@Karen-dq8nw]

I appreciate your comments about access to nature and the privatization of that access. We in the U.S. are very worried about that right now with our incoming president, and his cronies and their greed to monetize everything. The best states are those like Hawaii, that have a state law that mandates access to all coastal areas, even if a giant corporate hotel has bought the land. They must still allow the public to access through their property to enjoy the beach. I truly believe that all waterways - coasts, rivers, lakes - should be public access, unless they must be restricted in order to protect nature in some way. The water belongs to us all.

[@erdalyavuz154]

Abbie,happy New year 🎉 i love you ❤❤❤

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Happy new year!!

[@JayWood-s8i]

Are you ever going to hike The Great Trail, formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail

[@xix94]

Happy New year

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Same to you

[@chrismcerlain1664]

Make sure your inner most layer is quick dry / breathable. Boots must fit and be broken in prier to setting off. Listen to the advice of shop staff when buying boots. Tell them what you want them for. Cotswolds ect are really very good

[@twpsy634]

Welsh slate roofed much of the world. The lives those slate workers lived was brutal beyond measure .How quickly we forget.

[@paulhopwood3949]

With the narrow gates, why not just lob your backpack over and walk through the gate? Much easier than climbing over, especially keeping your backpack on as you do so

[@xix94]

When was this filmed

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

May :)

[@xix94]

What's the blue bag on the front for ?

[@Daytona2]

Readily accessible camera & accessories iirc

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

That's my camera bag :)

[@diavo009]

Gate Climbing badge earned 😂

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Appreciate that 😂

[@272attwell]

Maybe in a country as small as the UK…with a relatively large population….if there were not such a high level of controlled access to its natural and most beautiful environments…then maybe these wild and special places would soon be lost by overuse and miss use? The fact that the UK has such beautiful places and such picturesque countryside despite the pressures from its large population is thanks to the restricted access or restricted planning permissions that are put in place.

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

You should meet/team up with Eva Zu Beck.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

That would be very cool! Why not message her ;)

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

@@AbbieBarnesWILD Why not indeed? Nothing to stop you.

[@heather333]

Get fit in your local area first. Get used to carrying your full backpack and walking in your boots.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Wise words :)

[@sterndrives]

I would be happy to watch your videos even with a Crack in the video.

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

You need someone to help you with your Welsh pronunciation. EG "Fach" is not "vatch", it's "varch" with the "ch" being like in Scottish "loch". "Coed" is not "co-ed", it's "coyd". "oe" is a diphthong in Welsh and has it's own sound, pronounced like a single letter. Nice video, though. {:o:O:}

[@garyh3228]

You do know you can take your pack off for the gates

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

I do. But doesn't make hefting 18kg through any easier.