William Gladstone launched the Watkin Path to Snowdon in 1892

On Friday the National Trust opened the new stretch with forms part of the Watkin Path, one of six routes up Snowdon.

It was named after the railway magnate Sir Edward Watkin, who first built it in 1892.

It lies on the site of a former horse and carriage route Sir Edward began for his holiday home in woodland but later abandoned.

The new footpath takes walkers through the Atlantic oak woodland near the entrance of the National Trust farm, Hafod y Llan, near Beddgelert.

National Trust property manager Richard Neale said the reason why Sir Edward never finished the path was something of a mystery.

"It is a quirky point but for a man who could build a lot of the railway network of this country and across Canada, he must have had a good reason."

This new section is much more pleasant through beautiful woodland and a very gentle walk ideal for families Richard Neale, National Trust property manager

The Trust has extended the path as part of the �4m Nantgwynant Integrated Land Management Project.

Mr Neale said: "This new section is much more pleasant through beautiful woodland and a very gentle walk ideal for families."

Walkers now have two options when they start out on the Watkin Path.

"It is important to stress that the first option continuing along the Watkin Path is an arduous walk and people must be prepared for mountaineering."

The second is a continuation of the new footpath along the farm trail on a two-mile circuit.

The National Trust will open up the farm on Saturday 18 October, where there will be an opportunity to follow the new farm trail and talk to members of the trust team.