Dubbed 'the mountain connoisseurs' walk', the Cambrian Way stretches
479km between the mighty castles of Cardiff in the south and Conwy on
the north coast. Traversing the heartland of Wales, the challenging
route crosses the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia,
passing through two national parks and visiting many of the country's
iconic summits, including Pen y Fan, Pumlumon, Cadair Idris and Snowdon
itself. It can be walked in three weeks (or in shorter sections) and is
suitable for experienced hillwalkers with sound navigational skills.
The guide presents the route in 21 stages, offering comprehensive route
description illustrated with OS 1:50,000 mapping and elevation profiles.
Details of accommodation and facilities are provided, along with a
helpful trek planner showing their distribution along the route:
although the trail passes through remote areas, it is possible to stay
under a roof every night – though camping is also a possibility, should
you prefer. There are background notes on Wales's history and geology
and local points of interest, and a glossary of Welsh place-names,
useful contacts and accommodation listings can be found in the
appendices.
From the Black Mountains to the Rhinogs, Glyderau and Carneddau, the
route takes in lofty ridges, striking peaks and picturesque lakes. There
are also fascinating glimpses into the country's ancient and more
recent past: Iron Age hillforts, Norman castles, a Cistercian abbey, the
Chartist Cave and relics from the mining industry. Offering superlative
scenery, the Cambrian Way is a celebration of some of the best mountain
walking Wales has to offer and promises a unique opportunity to immerse
yourself in these celebrated landscapes.
The route
Stage 1 Cardiff to Machen
Stage 2 Machen to Pontypool
Stage 3 Pontypool to Abergavenny
Stage 4 Abergavenny to Capel-y-ffin
Stage 5 Capel-y-ffin to Crickhowell
Stage 6 Crickhowell to Storey Arms
Stage 7 Storey Arms to Glyntawe
Stage 8 Glyntawe to Llandovery
Stage 9 Llandovery to Tŷ’n-y-cornel Hostel
Stage 10 Tŷ’n-y-cornel Hostel to Claerddu
Stage 11 Claerddu to Ponterwyd
Stage 12 Ponterwyd to Dylife
Stage 13 Dylife to Dinas Mawddwy
Stage 14 Dinas Mawddwy to Bwlch Llyn Bach
Stage 15 Bwlch Llyn Bach to Barmouth
Stage 16 Barmouth to Cwm Bychan
Stage 16/17A Bad-weather route to Moelfryn following Taith Ardudwy Way
Stage 17 Cwm Bychan to Maentwrog
Stage 18 Maentwrog to Beddgelert
Stage 19 Beddgelert to Pen-y-Pass
Stage 20 Pen-y-Pass to Llyn Ogwen
Stage 21 Llyn Ogwen to Conwy
