Cambrian Way

Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Monmouthshire, Powys, Torfaen

Described as the Mountain Connoisseur's Walk, this route through upland Wales involves nearly 70,000ft of ascent and requires much stamina to complete. It is a tough, high-level route which should not be underestimated. Navigational skills are of paramount importance.

From the south coast, it follows a meandering northerly route over the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, Carmarthen Fan, Plynlimon, Cadair Idris, the Rhinogs, the Snowdon massif and the Carneddau to reach the north coast. In places there are route options.

Tony Drake, now sadly deceased, pioneered the route, and his guide was reprinted in 2016. Cambrian Way Trust now has a comprehensive website with maps and details to compliment the route guide. A new guide was published in July 2019 by Cicerone.

UPDATE October 2020 - Work to start upgrading the 150 year old Barmouth Viaduct starts in September 2020. It will affect the route of the path as it goes over the viaduct across the Mawddawch Estuary. During this upgrade the bridge will be closed temporarily on certain dates.
An alternative route is being looked into for walkers on the path and will be posted on this page. If you are planning to walk in this area, we suggest you also follow Network Rail social media for updates.
https://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/latest-news/temporary-path-diversions/?lang=en

UPDATE May 2022 - Network Rail have announced that following the reopening of the railway line, the pedestrian and cyclist walkway had also reopened on 18th February 2022.
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/walkway-across-iconic-barmouth-viaduct-opened-in-time-for-half-term

UPDATE September 2023 - The final stage of Network Rail's restoration of Barmouth Viaduct means that the railway line and the walkway alongside will be closed between 31st August (3rd September for the railway line) and 24th November 2023 for 'work on the metallic elements' of the bridge.

UPDATE December 10th 2023 - Barmouth Viaduct has re-opened.

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Details:

Path Type:	Other Paths
Waymark:	Welsh hat on white with name in green; lowlands only, not mountains
Attributes:	Very Challenging Moorland Mountain
Start:	ST181765 - Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Finish:	SH783775 - Conwy Castle, Conwy
User Group:	Cambrian Way Trust Cambrian Way Trust
Web Sites:	Cambrian Way Independent Hostels UK - Cambrian Way Accommodation The battle for the Cambrian Way Long Distance Walks in South Wales Conwy County Borough Council - Cambrian Way Cheltenham Outlier - Cambrian Way [blog] Backpack Artist - Cambrian Way [blog] Walking the Cambrian Way [Podcast] Cambrian Way, BBC documentary - 1997 [YouTube video] Long Walks - The Cambrian Way, Wales Coast Path, Snowdonia Slate Trail

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Guidebook	Walking the Cambrian Way : classic Wales mountain trek - south to north from Cardiff to Conwy  (Cicerone Press  - 2019 )
Guidebook	Cambrian Way - The Mountain Connoisseur's Walk  (Cordee Ltd  - 2016 )
Guidebook	Cambrian Way  (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch  - 2000 )
Other	BBC Radio Wales : Country Focus : Millions of trees and the Cambrian Way  (BBC )

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