Crimea Pass

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The Crimea Pass (Welsh: Bwlch y Gorddinan) is a mountain pass in north Wales, on the A470 road between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolwyddelan.

At its highest point, it is 385m (1,262ft) above sea level, and is sometimes closed in winter because of snow. At one time there was an inn at the summit of the pass, popularly known as "the Crimea".

It takes its name from the Crimean War which was being fought about the time the road was opened, in 1854. By repute construction of the stone walls in the area was carried out by Russian prisoners of war captured at the Battles of Inkerman and Balaclava.

As of 2007, the pass is undergoing major highway improvement work on the Blaenau Ffestiniog end, for widening and reducing its gradient. It is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2008.