Wales’ most scenic and beautiful long-distance walk is without a doubt the Cambrian way. It is a high-level walk which traverses the highest and wildest regions of wales. The path goes from the great capital city of Cardiff in the South, to the ancient castle walled town of Conwy in the North.
The distance is a total of 291 miles (468 km) and goes from coast to coast. It makes an ascent up to 78,000 feet, which is double the Pennine way. Generally, it is un-waymarked, so navigation skills are essential, this is especially true in cloudy conditions.
Like the three peaks challenge the Cambrian way is a brilliant outdoor challenge for people interested in Wales.
The Cambrian way is slowly being waymarked along its route to make its pieces a bit easier to follow.
The path goes from Cardiff up some pleasant parkland alongside the river Taff. For the picturesque mock castell Coch, with some lovely forestry and a variety of lovely ridge walks. It’s then a swift and steep descent down to Abergavenny. After ascending sugar land, a horseshoe shaped route will take you through the black mountains to Crickhowell.
Running on a roughly parallel level alternative route through the Brecon Beacons national park, is the beacons way which was opened at considerable expense in 2005 by the Brecon Beacons park society.
The way then continues on through the Cambrian mountains as it passes through the central sections.
The route crosses the uninhabited land mass of Plynlimon which gives you a view of the sources of both the Severn and the wye. The hamlet of Dylife was once the workplace of 2000 miners, but now only has a few houses.
Finally, you walk towards the mountain of Crivin and then walk along into the mountains of Snowdonia national park. Making your ways through the mountain of Cadair Idris. Youtube descend to the resort of Barmouth (great place for a cup of tea and some food.)
The controversial Rhinog mountains require some tricky rambling in the central section. The Barmouth to Maentwrog section is 22 miles but the progress is slow, there’s no accommodation without the considerable detour to Llanbedr or transfinite.
Moelwyn Mawr is ascended before a difficult navigation exercise across to Cnicht. The ascent of Snowdon is taken by the lower section of the Watkin path. There are some fantastic walking challenges in the UK, for example the 3 peaks challenge, which either starts or ends here on Snowdon, you then take the PYG track down to pen-y-pass over to the Glyders to Ogwen valley, before over to the Carneddau, finally the finish of the Cambrian way goes down Tal-y-Fan and down from Conwy Mountain, ending at Conwy castle which looks out into the opening estuary into the wide-open Irish sea.
Whatever the kind of adventure you want, North Wales can cater for you.
