The Cambrian Way : Classic Wales mountain trek - south to north from Cardiff to Conwy book cover

Travel Guides

The Cambrian Way : Classic Wales mountain trek - south to north from Cardiff to Conwy

by George Tod

Tackle one of Wales's great mountain challenges: a demanding 479km (298 miles) long-distance walk from Cardiff to Conwy, often called "the mountain connoisseurs' walk".


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About the book

This three-week trek follows long, lofty ridgelines across wild, rugged terrain, visiting many of Wales's highest mountains. The coast-to-coast route crosses the Brecon Beacons, Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia, traversing two national parks and summiting iconic peaks including Pen y Fan, Pumlumon, Cadair Idris and Snowdon. Designed for experienced hillwalkers, it offers a continuous journey through the heart of Wales's most dramatic landscapes. This comprehensive guidebook is your essential companion for planning, navigating and completing this classic Welsh mountain route. The route is split into 21 clearly defined stages, breaking the trail into manageable sections that support flexible itinerary planning, whether you intend to walk the entire Cambrian Way or tackle it in shorter sections. Accommodation information is provided throughout, including hostels, B&Bs, campsites and other facilities in key centres such as Pontypool, Llandovery, and Pen-y-Pass, enabling you to choose between backpacking or carrying a lighter load. Integrated elevation profiles and OS 1:50,000 mapping give a clear picture of the terrain ahead and support confident navigation across remote upland and mountainous landscapes. Downloadable GPX files are available for digital navigation on smartphones and GPS devices. Practical advice on planning and preparation covers transport to and from the route, seasonal timing, equipment choices and navigation skills required for one of Wales's most demanding long-distance walks. With this Cicerone guidebook in hand, you can set out from Cardiff Castle and follow the spine of Wales all the way to Conwy's medieval walls, confident you have the detailed information and planning support needed to successfully walk and enjoy this outstanding long-distance trail.

Book details

Published by Cicerone Press

Paperback ISBN: 9781852849900 16 Dec 2025 172 x 130 x 14 (mm) 306g